Sandu launches Moldova re-election bid, referendum campaign on joining EU

Moldovan incumbent President and candidate in the upcoming presidential election Maia Sandu, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu attend Sandu's campaign rally in Chisinau, Moldova September 20, 2024. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Pro-European President Maia Sandu staged a city centre rally on Friday to kick off her bid for re-election in a month-long campaign held alongside a referendum to cement her drive to join the European Union.

Sandu drew a evening crowd of 3,000 chanting supporters at Chisinau's opera house while one of her main rivals, Alexandr Stoianoglo, the prosecutor general she dismissed, addressed about 100 backers at the city's triumphal arch.