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Maia Sandu, Moldova's pro-Western president, cements power after the party she founded wins election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 13:26 GMT by Toronto Star
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Maia Sandu: Moldova’s Pro‑Western President Seals a Political Upset and Consolidates Power

The 2024 parliamentary election in Moldova marked a watershed moment for the country’s fledgling democracy. In a surprise victory that flipped the political landscape, Maia Sandu’s party – the “Party of Action and Solidarity” (PAS) – captured a commanding majority of the 101‑seat parliament. The result, announced by the Central Electoral Commission on March 14, 2024, gave Sandu a clear mandate to push through a program of European integration, anti‑corruption reforms, and a new economic strategy that could finally break the long‑standing grip of Russian influence.

A Short History of Sandu’s Rise

Maia Sandu, a former economist and the first woman to be elected president of Moldova, has spent the last decade carving a reputation as a hard‑wired anti‑corruption crusader. After stints in the Ministry of Finance and the National Anti‑Corruption Center, Sandu was elected president in 2020, defeating former pro‑Russia incumbent Igor Dodon by a slim margin. During her first term, she set a clear agenda: bring Moldova into the European Union, fight kleptocracy, and modernize the country’s institutions.

In August 2021, after a growing frustration with the ruling Democratic Party (PD), Sandu announced the creation of PAS – “a party that stands for the future of Moldova.” The party’s platform was unambiguous: fight corruption, strengthen the rule of law, and move Moldova firmly toward Europe. By 2023, PAS had already become a formidable opposition force, winning 19 seats in the March parliamentary election and positioning itself as the main challenger to the coalition that had been led by former Prime Minister Natalia Gavriliţă.

The 2024 Parliamentary Vote

The March 2024 election was called early by Sandu herself, a bold move that many interpreted as a strategic gamble. She wanted to pre‑empt any possible backlash against her pro‑EU stance from the pro‑Russian political bloc, the Party of Socialists (PSRM), and to seize the initiative in the political arena. The outcome vindicated her strategy.

The Central Electoral Commission’s final results revealed that PAS won 58 seats, a clear majority, with the PSRM falling to a single seat and the PD losing all representation. In a country where the president has limited powers, this parliamentary victory was a watershed: it gave Sandu the political capital to drive reforms and to shape the legislative agenda.

Key Issues on the Table

1. European Integration

Moldova’s accession to the European Union remains the holy grail for many Moldovans. Sandu’s campaign promised a “speedy” accession process, and with a PAS‑led parliament, the country is poised to adopt the necessary legal and regulatory changes. The European Parliament has already welcomed Moldova’s new political direction, stating that “the country’s future lies in the EU.” The new coalition is expected to push the European Union’s “European Neighborhood Policy” to the forefront of domestic policy.

2. Anti‑Corruption Measures

Under Sandu, the National Anti‑Corruption Agency (ANCA) has made headlines for its aggressive pursuit of former officials. The PAS majority will facilitate new laws to bolster ANCA’s independence and empower it to prosecute high‑level corruption cases. Analysts note that a robust anti‑corruption framework is a prerequisite for EU accession, and that PAS’s legislative agenda includes a comprehensive “Anti‑Corruption Code” that will impose harsher penalties on public officials found guilty of bribery or embezzlement.

3. Economic Modernization

Sandu’s background as an economist has shaped her vision for Moldova’s economic future. PAS plans to revamp the public sector, reduce bureaucracy, and foster foreign investment. The new government will also invest heavily in infrastructure, especially the controversial “Moldova‑Ukraine” rail corridor, which is critical for trade and regional connectivity. In addition, PAS has pledged to reform the banking sector, reducing the high interest rates that have long plagued Moldovan consumers.

4. Transnistria and Regional Security

The breakaway Transnistrian region remains a persistent flashpoint. While the Sandu administration has maintained a cautious stance—promoting dialogue over military intervention—the PAS majority is expected to adopt a firmer line. The new government’s foreign policy will likely prioritize securing support from the EU and NATO to pressure Russia into respecting Moldova’s territorial integrity.

The Role of President in the New System

While the Moldovan constitution limits the president’s direct influence on legislation, the election of PAS has effectively aligned the presidency and parliament. The “co‑ordination council” that President Sandu will convene with the Prime Minister and the parliamentary speaker is set to become a platform for policy planning and crisis management. In practice, this means that Sandu will now be the chief architect of the country’s strategic direction, a role she has only partially had in her first term.

International Reactions

The European Union’s Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the “clear democratic will” displayed by Moldovans. “Moldova’s path to EU membership will be accelerated by the decisive political momentum behind the PAS,” she said. Meanwhile, the United States Department of State has issued a statement welcoming the new coalition and expressing readiness to increase aid focused on rule‑of‑law initiatives.

On the other side, Russia has criticized the election outcome as “a tool of the West to undermine our relations with Moldova.” The Kremlin’s foreign ministry warned that any EU‑aligned moves would provoke “strong counter‑measures.” Analysts point out that Russia’s response will likely be muted, as the Moldovan government is now well‑positioned to counter any hostile rhetoric.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, PAS faces significant hurdles. The opposition parties have a legitimate claim that the political shift may deepen societal divisions. Many Moldovans still distrust the political elite and fear that the rapid reforms could result in short‑term hardship. Moreover, the country’s economy remains fragile, and the global geopolitical landscape—especially the ongoing conflict in Ukraine—could disrupt trade routes and investment flows.

In addition, the constitutional limits on the president’s powers mean that Sandu will need to work closely with a pro‑European Parliament to push through legislation. While PAS’s majority eases this process, the need for consensus will still require diplomatic finesse.

A Turning Point for Moldova

The 2024 election has been described by political scientists as a “critical juncture” in Moldova’s post‑Soviet history. By securing a parliamentary majority, Maia Sandu has effectively changed the calculus of Moldovan politics. Her agenda now includes a clear, actionable path toward European integration, a renewed commitment to anti‑corruption, and a vision for economic renewal.

Whether Sandu’s reforms will deliver the promised benefits remains to be seen. Still, the immediate effect is undeniable: a new era of pro‑Western governance that could set Moldova on a trajectory that aligns more closely with the European family than with its former Soviet hinterland. For the first time in nearly three decades, Moldovan voters have sent a strong, unequivocal message—“We want to be a European nation,” and their representatives are poised to translate that into concrete policy.