麻豆社

Moldovans are casting their votes in the critical second round of the presidential election, which will shape the country's future. Voters must choose between incumbent pro-European President Maia Sandu, who secured 42.49% of the vote in the first round on 20 October, and former Prosecutor-General Alexandru Stoianoglo, supported by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, who received 25.95%. Analysts predict a tough run-off for Sandu due to allegations of a voter-bribery scheme funded by Russia, a claim that the Kremlin denies.

Also in the programme: In the Middle East, the UNICEF director reported that fifty children were killed in a 48-hour period in Jabalia, northern Gaza, where Israel's offensive is ongoing; and tens of thousands of political prisoners who were forced to work for IKEA in East Germany during communist rule are set to receive compensation.

Joining presenter Julian Worricker are Daniel Benjamin, president of the American Academy in Berlin and former US State Department official, and Patricia Cohen, global economics correspondent for The New York Times.

(Picture: A voter casts a ballot at a polling station in Chisinau, Moldova November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza)