Moldovan President Maia Sandu has been officially recognized as the world’s best leader of 2025 by leading international experts. She received this title for her unprecedented steadfastness in defending her country’s democratic values in the face of Russia’s aggressive policies. Today, Sandu continues to fight corruption in the country, raising Moldova’s international transparency rankings.
Despite modest resources and constant threats, Sandu has managed to turn a small state into a real bastion of European stability.
The image of Maia Sandu is radically different from traditional ideas about the leaders of major powers. She can often be found in line for an ordinary, low-cost, or economy-class airliner, with a backpack on her shoulder.