Maia Sandu’s opponent in the second round of the presidential elections in the Republic of Moldova, Alexandr Stoianoglo, rejected suggestions that he is indebted to Russia, calling for European integration while avoiding the divisions he believes the president has created.
Alexandr Stoianoglo is supported in the Sunday runoff by a party traditionally linked to Russia.
In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, he stated that if elected to lead the former Soviet state, he would try to reduce differences with the separatist enclave of Transnistria in Moldova and is prepared to meet with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin if it is in the interest of the majority of his compatriots.
"I have had no contact with Russian officials for years. Not by phone, not in secret, not in meetings, not anywhere," Stoianoglo said in response to Sandu's accusation that he is a 'Trojan horse' and 'Moscow's man.'
Stoianoglo advocates for "resetting" relations with Moscow
Sandu, who garnered 42% in the first round of the elections compared to 26% for Stoianoglo, made European integration the centerpiece of her four-year term and denounces Russia as one of the greatest evils facing the country, situated between Ukraine and Romania. During her term, relations with Moscow plummeted.
Following the first round - and a very close vote for "yes" in the referendum on joining the European Union - Sandu cited "clear evidence" that criminal groups supported by "foreign forces" attempted to bribe 300,000 voters.
Stoianoglo, responding to written questions, stated that he has no connection to Ilan Shor, the pro-Russian fugitive businessman who admits to paying voters to vote "no" in the referendum.
He reaffirmed his call for a "reset" of relations with Moscow, despite criticism from opponents.
"I will continue to argue that the priority should be what brings benefits to the majority of Moldovan society," he said. "And that means reducing escalation. We should be the ones offering constructive solutions. Especially for our own citizens," Stoianoglo added.
Possible Meeting with Putin
Stoianoglo, whom Sandu said was dismissed from the position of Attorney General for failing to combat corruption, did not condemn Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He called it a "continuing tragedy" and said he might consider meeting with Putin under certain conditions.
"If (the agenda) is interesting enough for the majority of Moldovans that a meeting between the two leaders is necessary, I will meet with the President of Russia," he said.
European integration should focus on respecting EU standards and legislation. "Every step towards Brussels should be taken together with (Transnistria's leaders)," he said.
"I realize how difficult this is, but the effects should also be significant," Stoianoglo added.
Stoianoglo stated that it is unclear whether in the second round he will win the support of voters who backed nine eliminated candidates in the first round, some of whom are unfriendly to Sandu.
"Our voters are sophisticated, and their behavior is sometimes unpredictable. Nothing is certain," he said.