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.
Former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, backed by the pro-Russian opposition Socialists, and Renato Usatii, the twice-elected mayor of Balti, Moldova's second-largest city, stood in place for the debate.
But Stoianoglo, fired by Sandu in 2021, soon left, saying he had no questions for fellow challenger Usatii.
"I put off all my meetings to come here and show some respect for our citizens," Stoianoglo said. "I was ready to respond to all the accusations that this government and Ms. Sandu have heaped on me."
Usatii told the presenter he would stay to "speak to the people. On Oct. 20, we will be electing a new president, let me repeat, a new president. All we have to do is roll up our sleeves and get to work."
The latest opinion poll published this week put Sandu comfortably in the lead with 36 % support to 10 % for Stoianoglo and 7.5 % for Usatii, who says he stands for Moldova maintaining good ties with both the West and Russia.
Voters will also take part in a referendum on changing the constitution to pave the way for EU membership for ex-Soviet republic Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries. The Socialists say they do not oppose joining Europe, but denounce the plebiscite as a ploy to help Sandu win re-election.
The survey showed 63% backing for EU membership among decided voters.
Sandu had declined to confirm in advance whether she would take part in the debate. She said she had no wish to participate alongside "non-valid" candidates, a reference to politicians backed by business interests or criminal groups.
Stoianoglo was dismissed by Sandu on grounds that he was ineffective in uprooting endemic corruption.
Moldova's top police officer said last week that criminal groups with Russian backing were determined to disrupt the campaign, including plots to seize government buildings.
He also said more than 130,000 Moldovans had been bribed by a Russia-managed network to vote against the EU referendum and for Russia-friendly candidates.
(Reporting by Alexander Tanas, Editing by Ron Popeski and Rod Nickel)
