Anti-government protests erupt in Moldova's capital
Two separate protests took place in Chisinau on February 2nd, highlighting contrasting narratives on the country's economy and social policies.
The Renaissance Party, including members of the recently outlawed Shor Party, held a protest targeting the Parliament building. Their focus was unclear, but their participation raised concerns about potential influence from abroad.
The Communist and Socialist Bloc (BCS) organised a larger protest in front of the Government House. Protesters, mainly pensioners, expressed discontent with rising heating costs and low pensions, chanting slogans critical of the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS).
"Look at the heating prices we have, and my pension is only 2,000 lei," one protester complained. "We need everything. How can we live now?" others added.
BCS MP Grigore Novac emphasised the need for greater government support for citizens, stating, "The state's support for various categories of people has been drastically reduced. We are here to remind the government that the people of Moldova should not have to survive, they should be able to live normally."
In response, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu pointed the finger at Russia, claiming, "The Kremlin has put them to work. They probably saw that they were getting too comfortable after the holidays." This accusation highlights existing tensions between Moldova and Russia, particularly concerning external influence in domestic politics.
These protests underscore the challenges Moldova faces in balancing economic concerns with social welfare, while navigating complex geopolitical relationships.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
