"We want to resolve the Transnistrian conflict only through peaceful means. Everything we do, we do for both the people on the right bank and the people on the left bank." This was stated by President Maia Sandu, who is running for a new term. During Sunday’s electoral debates, in response to her opponent’s criticism that she hasn’t held meetings with representatives from the Transnistrian region, Maia Sandu said that results are not measured by the number of meetings, but by what has been done for the citizens, as reported by IPN.
The Socialist Party candidate, Alexandr Stoianoglo, asked Maia Sandu about the special status that the Transnistrian region is expected to obtain after the conflict is resolved.
"Our main task and concern has been peace and security. I am proud that we, both those on the right bank and those on the left bank, have managed to maintain calm in our country. This is the achievement of all citizens of the Republic of Moldova. And this – peace – will be the top priority. We want to resolve the Transnistrian conflict, but we want to solve this problem, this conflict, only through peaceful means. Everything we do, we do for both the people on the right bank and for the people on the left bank," stated the candidate of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS).
Maia Sandu also touched on economic aspects, noting that today almost 80% of exports from the Transnistrian region go to the European Union. According to the candidate, this shows that "we are on the same path." "We must continue to take care of the security of our citizens. We must ensure that this process of European integration, which you want to delay for I don’t know how many decades, benefits both the people on the right bank and those on the left bank," said Maia Sandu.
The candidate also mentioned that since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, almost all Moldovans from the left bank have come to obtain a Moldovan passport. "Do you know what that means? It means that they trust the Republic of Moldova, that they feel safe having a Moldovan passport. I think we have good results, we need to see and understand them, and continue on this path. The most important thing is to maintain calm and peace, both on the right bank and on the left bank," said Maia Sandu.
Regarding Alexandr Stoianoglo's claims that she hasn't had any meetings with representatives from the Transnistrian region, Maia Sandu emphasized that results are not measured by the number of meetings. "We have cooperation in the interest of citizens on both banks, and we have managed to maintain peace. I have seen many who signed hundreds of agreements, had many meetings, and the result was zero. Our citizens value peace and calm on both banks," added the PAS candidate.
The Sunday electoral debates took place without a moderator, with the two candidates taking turns asking each other questions. The second round of the presidential election will take place on November 3.
