Maia Sandu: “Independence and European future are in danger”
The future of the Republic of Moldova in Europe is "in danger." If Russia gains control over our country after the elections, "the consequences will be direct and dangerous" for both Moldovan citizens and the entire region. This warning was issued by President Maia Sandu on Monday, September 22, just days before the parliamentary elections.
In a video address given this evening, the head of state recalled that she has a duty to "protect the Republic of Moldova and peace", but says that she will not succeed in this "without citizens", in the face of unprecedented interference by the Russian Federation in the elections in our country.
"You have given me the responsibility to be the guarantor of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. Today, with all seriousness, I tell you that our sovereignty, independence, integrity and European future are in danger. The Kremlin is spending hundreds of millions of euros to buy hundreds of thousands of votes on both banks of the Nistru, as well as outside the country. People are poisoned daily with dozens of lies. Hundreds of people are paid to cause disorder, violence and scare the world. I address all citizens: let us not accept the surrender of the country to foreign interests", said President Maia Sandu.
The head of state added that Russia is not acting alone, but with the help of “accomplices” from the Republic of Moldova, who “have demonstrated many times in the past that for money they sell their country”, who “have no country”, but only “masters”, who “believe only in money” and want “a weak Moldova, a corrupt justice system that will not hold them accountable for either corruption or treason.”
The head of state pointed out that “our national interest” is peace, freedom, economic development, the continuation of the fight against corruption, European integration, as well as the development of localities and the country.
“If Russia comes to control Moldova, the consequences will be direct and dangerous for our country and for the entire region. All Moldovans will suffer, regardless of who they voted for. Europe will end at the border with Moldova. European funds will stop at the Prut. Freedom of movement could end. Our land could become a conduit for infiltration into the Odessa region. The Transnistrian region would be destabilized. These are their plans and they say them openly,” Maia Sandu pointed out.
According to the president, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova have the duty to keep the country peaceful, away from war and Russia’s attempts to attack or destabilize other states.
"You and I have lived through times when those who buy votes were in control of our country. Let us remember the damage they caused to Moldova and how hard we had to work to remove them from power. After so many efforts and sacrifices from generations, we cannot hand our country over to the corrupt and traitors. The Kremlin thinks we are all for sale, that we are too small to resist, and that we are not a nation but just a territory. But Moldova is our home, and our home is not for sale," stated the head of state.
Maia Sandu reminded us that our predecessors sometimes paid with their lives to defend the Republic of Moldova, and we must protect our state today "through an honest vote, with a clear mind."
"Let’s honor our Moldova! Let’s not sell it to thieves, and let’s not allow others to sell it! On Sunday, let’s show everyone that Moldova is not a piece of land that can be bought or sold for a few pieces of silver, but our sacred home," concluded Maia Sandu’s message to Moldovans "at home and around the world."
