Eurasia Press & News
Leaders from France, Germany and Poland visited the capital Chisinau to celebrate Moldova’s independence day and display their backing for its government’s quest to join the EU, ahead of crucial elections.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined independence day celebrations in Moldova on Wednesday in a European show of support for the country’s bid to join the EU.
The visit came at a key moment, as Moldova prepares for parliamentary elections on September 28. The ruling party hopes to secure a majority and maintain the country’s pro-European course but is facing a challenge from pro-Russian political forces.
“Together with my friends, the German chancellor and the Polish prime minister, I came here to celebrate this symbolic day, marking Moldova’s entry into a space of regained sovereignty and freedom. We want to send the Moldovan people a message of respect and friendship,” Macron told a press conference in Chisinau.
His message was echoed by Merz. “The doors of the European Union are open for you, our Moldovan friends,” he said.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu thanked the three European leaders for coming to Chisinau on the day her country marked 34 years of independence.
“Your presence here is a sign of deep respect for the Republic of Moldova and for Moldovans. In recent years – and today even more strongly – we feel like we are part of a family. And in a family, joys are shared and difficulties are borne together. We are deeply grateful for this solidarity,” Sandu said.
On Wednesday, Moldova commemorated its 1991 Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union. Officials laid wreaths and attended a military ceremony at the “Grieving Mother” monument in central Chisinau, which honours those who died in the 1992 war against Russian-backed separatist forces in Transnistria.
Sandu warned that the main threat to Moldova’s independence today comes from Kremlin attempts to “interfere in our elections and democratic processes.” She added: “We have become more resilient, but we must remain vigilant.”
Opposition leaders marked Independence Day separately and criricised the visit by the European dignitaries as interference in their country’s internal affairs.
Moldovan media also reported that several people – including a leader of the pro-Russian Renaissance party, linked to fugitive Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor – were detained by police after allegedly attempting to block the convoy of European officials.
