Moldovan President proposed for nomination for Nobel Peace Prize by Norwegian MP

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu has been proposed for nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by Norwegian Member of Parliament Arild Hermstad for her efforts to defend democracy in the face of Russian attempts at influence and destabilization, including cyberattacks, disinformation and political pressure. Arild Hermstad emphasized that Maia Sandu’s actions—strengthening the rule of law, protecting free elections and consolidating democratic communities—represent essential peace work for contemporary Europe.

Arild Hermstad said he decided to nominate Maia Sandu for the Nobel Peace Prize for her role in defending democracy in a context marked by hybrid pressures and threats.

“ I have nominated Moldova’s President Maia Sandu for the Nobel Peace Prize. Sandu has been on the front line of democracy in Europe,” the MP said.

He stressed that the Republic of Moldova has been subjected to documented attempts at electoral influence, disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and destabilization efforts.

“The goal has been to secure a government more friendly to Kremlin. This is how Russia operates against several former Soviet states. The Russians are waging a hybrid war against multiple countries and, despite the great uncertainty around us, there is no doubt that Putin is the greatest threat to peace and stability in Europe. Maia Sandu and Moldova are fighting for all of us,” he added.

According to the Norwegian MP, Maia Sandu’s response to these challenges has been peaceful and democratic.

“Maia Sandu has responded to the Russians with peaceful means: she has strengthened the rule of law, protected free elections, and maintained a democratic course. She clearly distances herself from Russian imperialism and ties Moldova more closely to Western democracies. This is peace work for our time: we build resilient communities before conflicts turn violent. We resist authoritarian influence with transparency and public governance,” he said.

In conclusion, the Norwegian MP underlined the importance of democracy for lasting peace.

“Democracy is a prerequisite for true peace. Maia Sandu has been crucial in stopping Russia’s attempts to tear down Moldovan democracy. For this, I believe she deserves the Nobel Peace Prize,” Hermstad concluded.

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious international awards and is granted annually to individuals, organizations, or institutions that have made significant contributions to promoting peace, resolving conflicts, defending human rights, and strengthening international cooperation. The distinction was established under the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel and has been awarded since 1901 by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo. Over time, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to personalities such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Dalai Lama, Barack Obama, and the European Union, as well as organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Food Programme.