Who does Maia Sandu see as President after her?

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu says it is too early to talk about her political future after the end of her current term, but states that she will continue to contribute to the country’s strategic objective of joining the European Union.

Asked by journalist Lorena Bogza whether Prime Minister Dorin Recean is being prepared for a possible candidacy in the next presidential elections, the head of state rejected the idea that such a plan exists.

“I'm not grooming Dorin Recean, and I don’t think he would let himself be groomed by anyone. Each person decides for themselves,” Maia Sandu said at a TV show.

The president clarified that neither Dorin Recean’s name nor that of former Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu has so far been discussed as potential candidates for the highest office in the state. Asked whether she is considering taking the position of prime minister after her presidential term expires, Maia Sandu said she is focused on her current responsibilities and on the promises made to citizens.

“I’m not thinking about what I will do next. I still have two years and something left in this term, and there are many things I want to do and must do, because I promised them to the citizens,” the head of state said.

Maia Sandu stressed that one of the priorities for the coming period must be the reform and streamlining of state-owned enterprises, following the scandals that have affected the image of public institutions.

“We must bring order to state-owned enterprises, and this must become a priority for the Government in the next six months. What happened is absolutely unacceptable and discredits our efforts on many levels,” the president said.

Although she avoids talking about the next stage of her political career, Maia Sandu hinted that she will remain involved in promoting the European path of the Republic of Moldova.

“I have said that I will continue to contribute to the Republic of Moldova becoming a member state of the European Union, and I will think then where and how I will do this,” the head of state declared.

Her statements come amid speculation about Maia Sandu’s possible successors to the Presidency and discussions on the future political architecture of the Republic of Moldova after the end of the current presidential term. Maia Sandu has been President of the Republic of Moldova since December 2020, when she won the presidential elections and became the first woman elected as head of state. She is currently serving her second presidential term, obtained in the 2024 election. Since taking office, Maia Sandu has focused her political agenda on fighting corruption, reforming state institutions, and bringing the Republic of Moldova closer to the European Union.