Maia Sandu takes oath for second term as Moldova’s president
Maia Sandu took the oath today, December 24, for her second term as President of the Republic of Moldova, in an official ceremony at the Palace of the Republic.
She is the first politician in Moldova to be elected by direct vote to serve two consecutive presidential terms.
In her speech, Maia Sandu expressed gratitude to the citizens for their unity and courage in the face of challenges and shared an optimistic message about the country's future: "Moldova is not only a small country with a big heart but also an inspiration to others in uncertain times. Moldova stands in the wind’s path, but does not fly like a leaf; instead, it resists with determination, waiting for the storm to pass."
The President called for the involvement of all citizens, regardless of where they live, to contribute to the country’s success. "I ask, invite, and call on you—all of us can succeed together. It’s not just about the president, deputies, or ministers, but about all of us—people from Cimișlia, Călărași, Bălți, Vulcănești, Dondușeni, Moldovans from Parma, Chicago, or Berlin, and all those who love Moldova. Yes, the country matters, and we must help it succeed, for through it, we succeed as well."
Maia Sandu emphasized that her mandate will focus on European integration, security, and prosperity, highlighting the importance of all citizens' involvement in achieving these goals.
Born on May 24, 1972, in Risipeni, Fălești district, Maia Sandu is an economist and pro-European politician. She has held the office of President of Moldova since December 24, 2020, after winning the presidential elections that year. She was re-elected for a second term in 2024, becoming the first politician in Moldova entrusted by citizens, through direct vote, with two consecutive presidential mandates. Prior to this, she served as Prime Minister of Moldova from June to November 2019 and as Minister of Education between 2012 and 2015. She is the founder of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which she led until December 2020. Maia Sandu studied at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Moldova, and earned a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University. Before returning to her home country, she worked as an advisor to the Executive Director of the World Bank.
Presidential elections in Moldova: From Mircea Snegur to Maia Sandu
The October 20 election marked the fifth time since the declaration of Moldova’s independence that citizens have chosen the country’s president through direct vote. The first president elected by the people was the late Mircea Snegur in 1991. In the 1996 elections, Snegur was defeated in the second round by Petru Lucinschi. In 2000, the Moldovan Parliament changed the Constitution, altering the method of electing the president. Starting with Vladimir Voronin in 2001, the president was elected by the vote of 61 deputies. After Voronin’s second term ended in 2009, there were three years of interim presidencies. In 2012, after lengthy political negotiations, the Parliament elected Nicolae Timofti as president. In March 2016, the Constitutional Court restored the right of citizens to elect their president by direct vote. In the October 30, 2016, election, Maia Sandu lost to her opponent Igor Dodon, but four years later, she defeated him by a significant margin. In the October 20 election, Maia Sandu secured over 55 percent of the votes cast.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
