EU leaders exult at Moldovan president’s reelection as pro-Russian opposition whines – POLITICO

European leaders congratulated Moldova’s pro-EU leader Maia Sandu on her re-election as president Sunday following a race which featured claims of Russian interference, voter fraud and intimidation.

Sandu won 55.35 percent of votes compared to 44.65 percent for her pro-Russian opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo. Her victory was confirmed Monday by the country’s Central Electoral Commission.

Coming as it did a mere two weeks after a tense referendum on the country’s EU membership, in which the “Yes” camp beat “No” by 10,000 votes, or seven-tenths of a percent, Sandu’s triumph prompted an outpouring of relief from EU capitals.