Georgian PM calls Sandu’s remarks on possible unification with Romania ‘very sad’ for Moldova

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has described Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s remarks about potentially supporting unification with Romania as “surprising” and “very sad” for Moldova, a country that gained independence alongside Georgia in the early 1990s.

Speaking to journalists in the United Arab Emirates, Kobakhidze commented on Sandu’s statement in which she said she would support Moldova’s unification with Romania if the issue were put to a referendum.

“It is, first of all, surprising to hear such a statement. A country’s political leader says she is ready to vote in favour of losing the country’s independence. When such a statement comes from a political leader, it is difficult to even comment on it,” Kobakhidze said.

“Naturally, this is a very sad development for Moldova, a country that gained independence together with us in the early 1990s. The rest is Moldova’s own matter, they will sort out their issues themselves,” he added.

Sandu made the remarks during an appearance on The Rest Is Politics podcast, where she said she would back unification with Romania if a referendum were held. According to Sandu, it is becoming increasingly difficult for a small country like Moldova to survive independently amid regional and global challenges.

Moldova was part of Romania between 1918 and 1940 before becoming part of the Soviet Union.