Sandu sworn in as Moldovan president

CHISINAU. Dec 24 (Interfax) - Maia Sandu has been sworn in as the president of Moldova for the second term of office.

The ceremony took place at a joint meeting of the Moldovan parliament and the Constitutional Court on Tuesday in the presence of parliament members, government members and honorary guests. No foreign guests were invited.

"I swear to give my entire strength and skills for the prosperity of the Republic of Moldova, to respect the constitution and laws of the country, and to defend democracy, fundamental human rights, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the state," Sandu said in her oath, holding her hand on the Moldovan constitution.

After taking the oath, Sandu kissed the state flag and received the presidential symbols, a banner and a necklace, from the Constitutional Court chairman.

In her inauguration speech, Sandu described European integration as Moldova's priority project and said, "European integration is our path to safety and prosperity." "Yet we should not view this as 'a business class ticket to paradise'. This is not a miracle solution to all our problems. The French will not come here to administer justice, the Danes will not collect our waste, and the Germans will not manage our customs. We are [...] responsible for our lives, for our country," she said.

Nominated by the Party of Action and Solidarity, Sandu won the runoff presidential election on November 3 with 55.35% of the vote.

Sandu was elected for the first presidential term in 2020, having won the runoff election vs. then Moldovan President Igor Dodon.