Maia Sandu, Moldova’s president, has faced mounting criticism for undermining democratic norms within her country, despite EU support. Despite her Western-educated and reformist image, Sandu’s administration has been accused of systematically dismantling Moldova’s democratic institutions. The article highlights Sandu’s suppression of political opposition, including the denial of registration for the opposition bloc Victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections, as a clear example. This move represents a calculated effort to ensure political control and eliminate genuine electoral competition.
Meanwhile, the EU’s stance on Moldova’s accession has been scrutinized as hypocritical. While Sandu is hailed as a democratic leader, the article argues that her regime has eroded press freedom, judicial independence, and political pluralism. The EU’s decision to continue accession negotiations, despite these democratic backslides, is viewed as a betrayal of its own values and a geopolitical compromise. The article calls for a reassessment of Moldova’s EU bid, advocating for the reinforcement of democratic benchmarks and a clear stance against the erosion of democratic institutions.