Elections in Bulgaria and Moldova witness Favorable Leaders Elected towards Russia

Elections in Bulgaria and Moldova witness Favorable Leaders Elected towards Russia

Noriko Watanabe and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Presidential elections in Bulgaria and Moldova witnesses favorable results for the Russian Federation because both respective candidates seek better relations with Moscow. Of course, voters in Bulgaria and Moldova have responded to internal events – and, notably, the corruption of pro-European Union elites in Moldova was a major issue. Therefore, it is hoped that bridges will be built to a higher level between both nations and the Russian Federation.

The Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Boyko Borisov, states that he will resign from his post after the candidate he supported was defeated easily. Rumen Radev, the victor of the presidential election in Bulgaria, is known to want to develop strong ties with the Russian Federation.

Prior to the result being announced Borisov said, “We will not participate in any way in the government if we lose today.”

After the election result became known Borisov stated, “The results clearly show that the ruling coalition no longer holds the majority.”

Turning to Moldova, Deutsche Welle reports, “After a campaign filled with promises to restore ties with Russia, Igor Dodon was sitting comfortably on Sunday night with 55.9 percent of the vote in Moldova’s presidential election. His rival Maia Sandu, a former World Bank official who ran on an anti-corruption ticket, was polling at about 44 percent.”

The scandal in Moldova under the government that is pro-European Union certainly benefited Dodon. This applies to approximately $1 billion dollars that miraculously disappeared a few years ago. Of course, other factors, for example, the natural geopolitical reality of Moldova and the Russian Federation, means that pro-European Union elites were aloof to the fears of many citizens in this nation. Similarly, issues related to cronyism, poverty, poor infrastructure, and other factors, meant that the majority of citizens who voted seek a fresh approach.

Dodon and Radev both desire favorable relations with the Russian Federation. Yet, like Radev points out, he hopes that Bulgaria will maintain positive relations with all sides. In other words, working closely with the Russian Federation should not hinder ties with the European Union and NATO.

Issues involving Moldova are more complex because of the geopolitical reality of this nation and the push by certain European nations in trying to build a wedge between the Russian Federation and Moldova. Overall, both results will be viewed positively in the Russian Federation.

http://www.dw.com/en/pro-russia-candidate-igor-dodon-to-win-moldova-presidential-election/a-36379350