Moldovan president's no-show breaks up election debate

FILE PHOTO: Moldovan President Maia Sandu delivers a speech during a rally to support a European path for the country, in Chisinau, Moldova, May 21, 2023. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo

CHISINAU (Reuters) - A television debate ahead of Moldova's presidential election broke up on Tuesday when pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu did not attend and one of her two main rivals walked out of the studio.

Sandu has denounced Russia as one of the biggest threats to Moldova and views her drive to join the European Union as the cornerstone of her policies. She faces 10 challengers in what has become an increasingly heated campaign for the Oct. 20 poll.