At a rally in the Moldovan capital Chisinau, tens of thousands gathered to symbolize a united Europe. President Sandu campaigned for the republic to join the EU soon.
The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, called on her compatriots to give a strong signal to Europe. According to the police, around 80,000 people followed their call and flocked to the National Assembly for a European Moldova in the center of the capital in the morning.
And Maia Sandu insisted on taking a dip in the crowd first. Side by side with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who had traveled to Chisinau specially, a sea of flags consisting of Moldovan and European flags walked towards them.
An appeal for them rule of law
In the speech that followed, which lasted almost an hour, Sandu emphasized the common values that Moldova shares with Europe. Moldova is ready to become part of the European Union. This should happen by 2030.
Her speech was repeatedly interrupted by applause. People chanted “Moldau”, “European Union” and “Maia Sandu”. The head of state called on the people of the country to unite. One should not allow oneself to be divided by Russian propaganda. She promised her compatriots a better future for the children and confirmed that everything would be done to fight corruption in the country and strengthen the rule of law.
Sandu gave her speech partly in Ukrainian and Russian language, as well as in that of the ethnic minority of the autonomous region of Gagauzia. Observers see this as a strong signal that the Moldovan government does not want to exclude any minority in the country.
Moldova as part of the EU
Afterwards, EU Parliament President Metsola stepped up to the lectern and called out to the tens of thousands that Moldova deserved to become a member of the EU. And she expressed her hope that concrete accession negotiations could begin as early as this year.
Metsola assured the citizens that Europe would not leave Moldova alone. Similar events took place today in 33 European cities.
The pro-Russian Shor party had called for counter-events for today, but observers said the number of participants was significantly lower. Exact numbers of participants are not available.