A television debate ahead of Moldova’s presidential election was interrupted when incumbent Maia Sandu did not attend and one of her two main rivals left the studio, Euractiv reported.
Sandu faces 10 rivals in what has become an increasingly tight campaign for the 20 October election. Former attorney general Alexandr Stoianoglo and Balti’s twice-elected mayor, Renato Usatii, stood in place for the debate. However, Stoianoglo, who was sacked by Sandu in 2021, soon left, saying he had no questions for fellow challenger Usatii.
I put off all my meetings to come here and show some respect for our citizens. “I was ready to respond to all the accusations that this government and Ms. Sandu have heaped on me.
Meanwhile, Usatii said he would stay to “speak to the people.”
On 20 October we will be electing a new president, let me repeat, a new president. All we have to do is roll up our sleeves and get to work.
According to the latest opinion poll released this week, Sandu has a comfortable lead with 36 per cent support against 10 per cent for Stoianoglo and 7.5 per cent for Usatii.
Voters will also take part in a referendum on constitutional changes to pave the way for EU membership for Moldova, a candidate to join the bloc. Socialists argue they are not against European membership but denounce the vote as a gambit to help Sandu win re-election.
Sandu declined to say in advance whether she would take part in the debate. She stated that she did not want to take part in the debates together with “non-valid” candidates.
