Former deputy prime minister and ex-minister of foreign affairs Nicu Popescu said that the runoff presidential election is more than the election of a leader. In a recent statement, Popescu stressed the importance of this vote for the European direction of the Republic of Moldova, calling on the citizens who did not vote in the first round to express now their option for a "clear European future", IPN reports.

"The second round is not only about electing a President. It is about continuing our European path," said Nicu Popescu. "For those who chose not to vote, it is time to take a step forward and correct the course," said the former deputy prime minister.

Nicu Popescu noted that although the constitutional initiative regarding the European integration recently secured the support of the citizens, the process was not without challenges. A week ago, the citizens voted to include the European objective in the Constitution. Despite calls for a boycott, calls to vote "No", vote buying and an intense disinformation campaign, a result of 50.4% was reached," stated the former deputy premier.

Referring to Sunday's electoral debate between Maia Sandu and Alexandr Stoianoglo, Nicu Popescu said he was surprised to see the contradictory position of one of the candidates, who, after initially boycotting the European referendum, is now promoting the idea of a joint declaration in support of the pro-European course. "Yesterday they boycotted the referendum out of personal resentment and today they want pro-European declarations of unity. This is at least unserious," noted Nicu Popescu.

In June, Nicu Popescu, along with other leaders, launched the "Citizens for Europe" Coalition, a platform aimed at strengthening public support for the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. The initiative aims to bring together citizens, organizations and institutions that support the European path and promotes a dialogue, information and mobilization of society in support of this national strategic objective.