Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated she would vote for unification with Romania in a referendum, citing Russia’s pressure and threats to Moldova’s democracy as reasons, though she acknowledges public support is currently lower than for EU integration.
“It is getting more and more difficult for a small country like Moldova to survive as a democracy, as a sovereign country, and of course to resist Russia.”
“Larger countries might interpret this as a sign of weakness, yet to me it reflects her awareness of just how far Russia is prepared to go to restore its empire.
She expressed this view in a podcast, explaining that uniting would help secure Moldova’s sovereignty, though she recognizes EU membership remains a more immediate goal for most Moldovans, with recent polls showing significant opposition to unification.
She believes unification is necessary for Moldova’s survival as a democracy against Russian interference, particularly given the unstable geopolitical situation.