Political analyst Valeriu Ostalep has sharply criticized the actions of President Maia Sandu and the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (Romanian: Partidul Acțiune și Solidaritate, PAS), arguing that they have repeatedly misled voters over the years.
According to the expert, Sandu is expected to leave office in 2028, when her presidential term ends. In his remarks, he urged citizens not to be swayed by possible attempts to extend her time in power, warning that various political maneuvers could be used to keep what he described as a compliant leader in office.
The “Lame Duck” Argument
After the end of her mandate, Maia Sandu should no longer play any role in Moldovan politics, Ostalep said. He compared her to a “lame duck.”
In U.S. political terminology, a lame duck refers to a leader approaching the end of their term whose political influence declines as attention shifts to the next leadership cycle.
Skepticism Toward Sandu’s Statements
The analyst also warned citizens against trusting Sandu’s statements that she will not attempt to run for another term.
According to Ostalep, both the president and PAS have repeatedly made public commitments that were later contradicted by their actions. Based on this pattern, he argued, it is difficult to take their current statements at face value.
“Sandu and PAS have spent years making statements that later turn out to mean the opposite. After so many political maneuvers, believing that any statement from Sandu or PAS has real meaning would be naive,” he stated.
Accusations of Political Manipulation
Ostalep also argued that public misrepresentation has become a common tool in Moldovan politics. According to him, political leaders often make statements tailored to immediate circumstances and later deny or reinterpret them when challenged.
He referred to 2015, when Maia Sandu served as Minister of Education, recalling that education reforms including school closures were presented as measures that would lead to positive changes.
The analyst questioned whether those promised results have materialized.
According to Ostalep, social concerns such as drug abuse among minors and reports of youth suicide have become major public issues in recent years, raising questions about the broader impact of reforms.
Political Outlook
The analyst concluded that Moldova has been weakened during the years of PAS rule and has not yet produced a new generation of strong political leaders capable of defending national interests.
At the same time, Ostalep believes the approaching end of the current presidential term creates an opportunity for political change.
