Presidential elections in Romania // President urges Moldovans with Romanian citizenship to vote

President Maia Sandu delivered a video message to Moldovans with Romanian citizenship ahead of the runoff presidential election to be held on 18 May in Romania. The head of state urges Romanians to defend European values and come out in large numbers to vote.


'Now, Romania needs us, and Europe needs us in Romania!

We, Moldovans, understand the value of freedom and security – and we want to be part of the European family, alongside Romania. Those of us who are also Romanian citizens can vote this weekend to protect what Romania has already achieved, which is now under threat.

Good luck, Nicușor Dan! I admire your decency, resilience, and respect for truth. It's not easy in populist times, but it's all the more important to do what is right for Romania and for the Republic of Moldova.

Good luck, Romania, our dear sister, we count on you in Europe, and you can count on us!' Maia Sandu said.


 



The president emphasized Romania's support offered to the Republic of Moldova on the path to European integration and in overcoming the energy crisis induced by Russian blackmail. Maia Sandu urged Moldovans with Romanian citizenship to trust in the power of their vote and to come out in large numbers to the elections. The president recalled the runoff presidential elections in Moldova in 2020.


'It was a powerful national and personal emotion. We all mobilized - young and old, at home and in the diaspora. No one believed people would come out to vote in such large numbers. No one believed we could raise a wave for an honest, free, and brave Moldova. But we did it.

We wanted to get closer to the EU, where Romania is already. And we made determined steps on this path. We wanted to break free from Russian blackmail, which we achieved with Romania's help. We want to live better, to have roads, salaries, and pensions like in Romania, and we're working towards that. We've learned so much from Romania! We've been inspired by Romania in so many ways!' Maia Sandu said.


On 18 May, presidential elections will take place in Romania. The leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, George Simion, and mayor of Bucharest Nicușor Dan will face each other in the runoff.