Moldova. The presidential elections will be held on Sunday. President Maia Sandu is the favorite

Maia Sandu is the favorite in this election, although experts say there may be a second round. The next candidates in terms of support are former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, supported by socialists, and moderately pro-Russian Renato Usatii.

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In parallel with the elections, a referendum initiated by Sandu will be held, in which Moldovans will answer the question whether European integration should be included in the constitution as a strategic goal of the state.

According to the authorities in Chisinau, before the elections, Russian hybrid activities have become even more intense than before, aimed at torpedoing the pro-Western government's policy and presenting the EU in a negative light. These include information campaigns and the illegal transfer of money to the country for pro-Russian activists and politicians, as well as money used to buy voters' votes, on an unprecedented scale.

– I like President Maia Sandu, but I don't like the government – says a middle-aged woman quoted by PAP, who admits that she doesn't know who she will vote for yet. He supports joining the European Union, but does not know what will happen next Moldovabecause – as he says – “it is a land of wonders”.

– I would like Moldova to join the European Union, but for now life here is difficult. Prices are high, earnings are low. When will we see this Union? I don't know, he adds. She says she likes the current president, Maia Sandu. However, she is dissatisfied with the government of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), which cooperates with Sandu and was founded by her. – In my opinion, they are not doing enough to make people's lives better – he says.

– I will vote for our president – says pensioner Marina. On Saturday, a traditional open-air dance was held in the Stephen the Great and Saint Park in the center of Chisinau, organized by the mayor's office. Mainly older people dance, although with great verve. Mrs. Marina does not dance because she says that “there is no mood in her heart to dance or to be happy.” She is worried about the situation in and around the country Ukraine. – My sister tells me that she 'feels sorry for Putin' and I wring my hands. What a pity, do you see what he did in Ukraine? Think that he will come to your house and destroy it. You should feel sorry for the Ukrainians, he says.

– Maia Sandu, like everyone else, has advantages and disadvantages. But her biggest advantage is that she knows where she's going, and I respect her for that. What about other candidates? They kiss Putin in one place – he sums up. – My name is Aureli, like Marcus Aurelius, have you heard of him? I will vote for Sandu or Ion Chicu. They are for Europe, so am I – says one of the “dancers”. Despite the cold, he is wearing a short-sleeved shirt. – We have hot blood in Moldova – he assures, dancing.

Ms. Elena has been living in the city for 20 years Romaniabut her daughter and two brothers live in Moldova. She came to Chisinau just to visit her family. He does not want to say whether he will take part in the elections. – What, are you writing about our democracy? Is that what you believe? – he asks. She is Romanian-speaking herself, but she also speaks Russian, although she doesn't remember many words anymore. Her family, she says, does not like the fact that the authorities blocked Russian-language television stations (due to broadcasting pro-Russian content). – Who cared? You could watch movies and entertainment programs, he says.

Therefore, she is rather critical of the authorities in Chisinau. He doesn't want to talk about politics or the European Union. She says that her older brother, thanks to her help, worked in Romania for several years, thanks to which he has local retirement minimal. He is also treated in a Romanian hospital, using the local insurance, which is better than the Moldovan one. When asked whether she doesn't think that the situation of Moldovans could improve in the European Union, she frowns and says: – This is such political talk.