Two separate Victory Day actions took place in Chisinau: One was organised by the Sor Party, and the other - by the PSRM
Several thousand people took part in two separate actions in Chisinau today to mark Victory over Fascism Day. The demonstrations, attended by leaders of opposition parliamentary parties, started from different locations, although at the same time and with the same final destination. Several main arteries of the capital were blocked and traffic jams formed.
The march of the Immortal Regiment, organised by the Șor Party, started from the intersection of Ismail Street and Stefan cel Mare Boulevard. Carrying Moldovan flags, flowers, placards and accompanied by a brass band playing Soviet songs, the participants, led by leaders of the Șor Party, marched towards the Eternitate Memorial Complex, including past the 13th prison, where they also made a shortstop.
The Victory March, which mainly saw leaders of the Socialist Party and the Communist Party, started at the same time, but from a different location and on a different route - from the Great National Assembly Square, along Bănulescu-Bodoni, Mateevici and Alecsandri streets.
The demonstrators carried both Moldovan and Soviet flags and the black-orange St. George's Ribbon. Some demonstrators also wore such ribbons on their chests, although police announced that this was against the law. Although the message on a huge banner was that "Moldova is a peaceful state", several children, including PSRM leader Igor Dodon's youngest son, were dressed in Soviet military uniforms, which have been promoted in recent years on occasions, particularly in the Russian Federation, which invaded Ukraine.
The participants said they were marking Victory Day and commemorating the sacrifice of their grandparents.
Asked why two rallies were organised, Igor Dodon said all parties were invited to participate in one event.
At the end of the two events, participants laid flowers at the eternal fire and at the tombstones inscribed with the names of servicemen who died in World War II.
