Moldova’s pro-Western leader secured a second term in a closely contested runoff on Sunday, defeating her Russia-friendly opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, with over 55 percent of the vote.
“[I am] looking forward to working together to enhance our bilateral relations, anchored in our historic ties and shared fundamental values of democracy,” Pashinian stated in a post on X congratulating Sandu on her victory.
Last month, Pashinian also congratulated his Georgian counterpart, Irakli Kobakhidze, on the victory of Georgia’s ruling party in a parliamentary ballot that faced disputes from the opposition. Pro-Western critics of the Georgian Dream party alleged that the “stolen” election shifted the country back toward a pro-Russian alignment.
In contrast to the situation in Georgia, Western leaders quickly welcomed Sandu’s victory, noting that it will help solidify Moldova’s path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
Two weeks ago, Moldovans also voted to approve their country’s bid to join the European Union.
Armenia’s current government has publicly discussed the possibility of pursuing EU membership. Several pro-Western political parties and groups have recently gathered enough signatures from Armenian citizens to demand that the authorities consider holding a referendum on the South Caucasus nation’s EU membership bid.
It is unclear whether the Pashinian government will agree to hold a referendum on the matter any time soon or will defer it for future consideration. Weeks before the pro-Western groups began their signature-collection campaign, Pashinian stated in July that the Armenian government should clarify whether the EU is ready to admit the country before holding such a referendum.