Presidency of the Republic of Moldova
Dear citizens at home and across the world, dear people of Moldova,
Today, I stand before you once again, with both gratitude and a sense of responsibility. You have entrusted me to continue a journey we began together four years ago. I accept this new mandate with humility, but also with determination.
Four years ago, I promised better times. It was a sincere promise. However, the times have proven to be difficult and full of challenges.
Moldova found itself in the midst of regional and global crises. Following the pandemic came rising prices, the energy crisis, gas blackmail, and now – the blackmail of darkness.
Yet all these crises pale in comparison to the brutal war at our border. A war that has displaced millions, disrupted economies, and scarred us as human beings—we have witnessed tragedies and atrocities we thought impossible in our times.
In these harsh circumstances, we stood tall, remained united, and went ahead with determination. We managed to preserve peace and defend our democracy in the face of external threats.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patriotism, courage, unity, humanity, and generosity. Despite all hardships, we can be proud that we stood on the right side of history!
My message today is one of optimism.
Moldova is not just a small country with a big heart; it is an inspiration for others in uncertain times. Moldova may be caught in the storm, but it doesn’t drift like a leaf—it stands firm, waiting for the tempest to pass. But today, I don’t want to speak of waiting, because your patience has already been tested.
I want to talk about MOLDOVA, and you’ll see that every letter of this word has something to say.
M for Moștenire (Heritage). Moldova is a proud nation with resilient citizens. And Moldova, despite all pressures, has voted for a clear direction: a developed, European country with greater safety and more prosperity.
The safety of today and tomorrow for us, the promise of a better future for our loved ones, and confidence in ourselves and in our country—these are the guiding principles of my new mandate.
Our legacy after this mandate is our aspiration: Moldova in the European Union, a peaceful and prosperous Moldova.
I urge you: together, we can succeed. This is not just about the President, parliamentarians, or ministers. It’s about all of us—people from Cimișlia, Călărași, Bălți, Vulcănești, or Dondușeni, Moldovans from Parma, Chicago, or Berlin—all those who love Moldova. Because, the country matters, and we must help it succeed and through it, we succeed too.
O stands for Optimism, our national energy. Moldova, the most charming of all the countries I’ve ever seen. How you know how to smile, even in tough times. I thank you for standing with me—for standing together—with heads held high through this difficult period.
Perhaps I haven’t always been a cheerful President; we live in difficult times. But I have kept my optimism. I encourage you to regain yours—not just during the holidays, but every single day. Only with optimism and energy can we succeed!
With optimism and energy, as only we know, we will win every battle, one after another!
L stands for Luptă (Fight)—because it continues. Moldova has a dream, and we will defend it. We will win our battles, be they crises or necessary reforms.
European integration is our path to safety and prosperity, but let’s not see it as a “business-class ticket to paradise.” It is not a miraculous solution to all our problems. The French won’t come to fix our justice system, the Danes won’t collect our waste, and the Germans won’t manage our customs. We are the masters and bear full responsibility for our lives and our country.
We must commit to the path of transformation, walk it swiftly and resolutely, and make collective, consistent efforts without stumbling over difficulties. We must not be manipulated or influenced by propaganda. And most importantly, we must not be afraid.
D stands for Dezvoltare (Development)—and what it means for us.
Development is the step from our dream to reality, to a better life for us and our loved ones. What must each of us do to get there?
Contribute to the common good, respect the laws of the country, refuse to give bribes, and view the state as our shared home. Invest in your well-being and that of your children, with respect for the community and nature.
Learn to discern between lies and truth, trust your instincts, which have served Moldovans well so far. Learn the lessons of the past, including those lived by our grandparents who were robbed and deported, and by our parents who lived isolated from the rest of the world. When we grow and develop as people, so does our country.
O stands for Organizare (Organisation)—and we will organise better.
The challenges we face are the greatest since independence, and we have no choice but to organize better each day. Change is difficult and faces resistance within the system. The justice reform, delayed by decades, is arduous and hindered by frustrations and vested interests of powerful clans.
But we have made progress, and we must not back down. I will not back down. I have your mandate, the mandate of the citizens of Moldova, to bring order to our institutions. The government will have in me a serious and dedicated partner, but also a harsh critic in cases of poor performance. We will organise and succeed; otherwise, people will be disappointed and justifiably lose patience.
V stands for Voință (Will)—to face the storm that’s coming, but for which we are preparing. A harsh winter is no secret. But, dear people, we will get through it. We’ve faced the pandemic, inflation, and countless crises together. We’ve been blackmailed with gas and now with darkness—it’s not the first time. But light will prevail; we will prevail.
To escape blackmail and be free, we must work and create alternatives, for both the present and the future. We know from our parents and grandparents that any well-done work requires patience, perseverance, order, and discipline. Only in this way can we build the enduring country we want for our children, as our forebears did before us.
So let us have the will, and we will find the way!
A stands for Ambiție (Ambition)—with healthy ambition, we can reach our goals. My dear ones, without you, I wouldn’t be here today; that’s very clear to me. Beyond gratitude, I feel the need to tell you that you are better than me and that you don’t need a Mother or Father of the Nation.
As President, count on me to help, support, and guide you—with humility and good faith, to the best of my ability and with God’s will.
But you are the masters of your destiny and the present and future of this country. People of this nation, be better than me, than our political class, and better than yourselves in previous years.
Moldova grows with ambition—the ambition not to wait, not to fear, not to let discouragement take root. The ambition to fight, regardless of the state, crises, or problems—the ambition to succeed for yourselves and your families.
Let’s succeed together. Let’s think daily about what more or better we can do, whom we admire, from whom we learn, and with whom we can team up.
Entrepreneurs of this country – lead the way to prosperity.
Media institutions – identify and promote successful people and stories.
Civil society – inspire the nation every day, as you have done this year.
Public servants – prove daily that the state is here for its citizens.
Judges and prosecutors – deliver the justice the entire country awaits.
Yes, I, Parliament, and the Government will make every effort, but I invite you to a great national mobilisation because if we don’t save ourselves, no one will save us. Let’s have the ambition to take responsibility, as individuals and as a team!
In closing, dear citizens, I tell you with my hand on my heart:
I worked with dedication during my first mandate and will continue with even more power and energy. After four years, I can humbly say that together, we’ve accomplished something that hasn’t been done in 30 years of independence. Moldova is more respected than ever, the world looks at us with affection and interest, and they support our dream. The rest depends on us.
We’ve begun to free ourselves from energy dependency, and while prices remain high, no one can hold us under their thumb anymore. We’ve managed to wide open the door to the European Union, which is no small step as a national plan and project. There’s still much to do, but the path is the right one.
I urge you to move forward with confidence. Remember what Our Moldova means: Moștenire (Heritage), Optimism (Optimism), Luptă (Fight), Dezvoltare (Development), Organizare (Organisation), Voință (Will), and Ambiție (Ambition)!
With God’s help! Thank you, and I bow before you! Let us take a moment to enjoy the holidays and resume work with even greater diligence in 2025. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025!
