Maia Sandu: "Diaspora is key to Moldova’s present and future"
Moldovans living abroad play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Republic of Moldova, declared President Maia Sandu during her address to representatives of the diaspora at the Diaspora Congress on Friday, August 15, in Chisinau. The president urged the diaspora to remain united and vigilant against the increasing attempts to manipulate and corrupt voters as the parliamentary elections approach.
Maia Sandu emphasized that the involvement of the diaspora was essential in supporting democratic processes and determining the European path of the Republic of Moldova in last year's referendum.
"The diaspora is a strategic actor for the present and future of the Republic of Moldova. In recent years, you have shown through massive participation in elections that you care, that your voice matters and that the future of the Republic of Moldova is also your future," said the head of state at the Diaspora Congress.
The president warned that the current election year is marked by external pressure and interference, including on Moldovans abroad.
"We have information about attempts to corrupt voters in the diaspora and about coordinated campaigns on social networks, with anti-EU and anti-reform messages. This phenomenon will expand, especially in the coming weeks," said Sandu.
The head of state criticized the statements of some politicians who claim that the diaspora should not decide the future of the country, recalling the sacrifices made by those who left for their families and their close ties with the Republic of Moldova.
"Behind the word diaspora stand mothers and fathers who left far for the good of their children, sons and daughters who were forced to leave their parents at home in order to take care of them. There is an unquenchable longing and a mountain of sacrifices", the president emphasized.
Maia Sandu highlighted the importance of the reunion, in August, of Moldovans from all over the world: "What happens in August in our country is not just a reunion of families, it is a reunion of our people. Because during these days brothers and sisters, parents and children, grandchildren and grandparents meet, our localities are filled with people, festivals are organized where we remember traditions and celebrate them".
The Head of State stated that, in the past year, important steps have been taken to strengthen the position of the Republic of Moldova internationally and to support the diaspora.
“We have managed to maintain peace, primarily through the foreign relations we have built. In the past four years, we have not only put the Republic of Moldova on the world map, but we have managed to build strong partnerships and close friendly relations with countries around the world,” she continued.
Maia Sandu recalled that, following the referendum last fall, the objective of joining the European Union was included in the Constitution.
“First of all, so that we can preserve peace in our country, because the European Union is first and foremost a project of peace. Second, the EU is a project of well-being. Third, we need the European Union so that we can strengthen our democracy, protect our freedom and sovereignty,” the Head of State declared.
Also for the benefit of Moldovans in the diaspora, the president recalled the signing of social protection agreements with several countries, including Italy and France, as well as agreements for the recognition of driving licenses.
"We have signed several social protection agreements. We have a new agreement with Italy. We also managed to sign agreements on the recognition of driving licenses - with France, Spain, Greece, Lithuania, Latvia, and the United Kingdom. We have improved the agreement on the recognition of licenses with Italy," the head of state said.
Recent measures include the opening of consulates in Chicago and Sacramento, the reduction of consular fees, and the launch of the "e-Consulate" platform.
"These days, a new service was launched - e-Consulate Service, for online requesting of consular services and submission of necessary documents. To begin with, this platform is available for nine countries. The Government launched the Governmental Service for Return Assistance, created within the Office of Diaspora Relations", the President said.
In her speech, Maia Sandu recalled that the Republic of Moldova has joined the SEPA payment system and that citizens will benefit from roaming in EU countries at domestic rates from January 1, 2026, but also that the number of flights to and from the country has increased compared to four years ago.
Regarding investments, the Head of State spoke about projects in education, health, culture, environment and infrastructure, implemented with the support of the European Union, including the "European Village" program, which has completed hundreds of projects throughout the country.
"We are on the last hundred meters of the Vulcănești–Chișinău line project. We have increased the capacity to produce renewable energy. We have tried to improve the situation in cities and villages through major programs – the European Village – we have implemented over 900 projects throughout the country. An important project is the waste management project", the head of state listed.
The president concluded with a call for unity and active participation of the diaspora in all democratic processes.
"Everything we have achieved so far is our common result, of all of us – those at home and those who have left the Republic of Moldova. We will succeed from now on, if we continue to stay together and pursue our national interest with determination", Maia Sandu pointed out.
This year's Diaspora Congress, now in its 11th edition, takes place on Friday, August 15, at the Palace of the Republic in Chisinau. The topics discussed by Moldovans abroad and authorities refer to the European integration of the Republic of Moldova, civic activism and the fight against disinformation, the involvement of the diaspora in local development, etc.
The Diaspora Congress is part of the series of events dedicated to Diaspora Days and is organized with the support of GIZ Moldova, UNDP Moldova and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
