"We will not leave the streets." Protests continue near the presidential palace in Chisinau
Another protest rally held by the opposition parliamentary party “Shor” took place at the presidential palace in Chisinau. Thousands of people protested against political repression and the incompetent policy of the Moldovan authorities in the economic sphere. Participants demanded the resignation of President Maia Sandu and the release from pre-trial detention of the vice-chairman of the Shor party, member of parliament Marina Tauber. “Down with Sandu, freedom with Marina!” - thousands of people chanted.
The day before, the court extended Marina Tauber’s arrest for another 20 days.
“I’m not surprised by this decision,” Tauber told a rally outside the court. “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” We will not stop, we will not give up, we will continue to fight for the interests of citizens. I want everyone to understand one important thing. Today we are fighting not for the SHOR Party, not for Ilan Shor or Marina Tauber, but for a better life for our citizens. We are facing very difficult times in the country, and the disarray in the justice system is making the situation even worse. But the struggle continues, and victory will definitely be ours. We are going to the end!
Protesters who came to the presidential palace brought with them receipts for utility bills, the numbers of which have increased significantly over the past year. Protesters took turns burning their payments in a yellow barrel with the inscription “PAS” (the Moldovan abbreviation of the ruling party “Action and Solidarity”, the yellow color is the symbol of this party). People chanted: “Maia Sandu, burn out of here!”, “Bills are burning our pockets!”, “Down with PAS! Down with Maia Sandu!”, “PAS burned the good times!”, “Dung power, leave us!”
In addition, many rally participants were holding brooms. The protesters expressed their readiness to “sweep Sanda and her entire team out of the presidential palace.”
Earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics published new data on inflation in Moldova, which reached 35% in September. The most expensive items have increased in price for essential products – bread, dairy products, eggs and fruits. The rise in prices was due to the rise in gas prices in July by more than 15%. At the same time, the Moldovagaz company announced that it would petition for a further increase in gas prices from 23 to 29 lei per cubic meter.
Member of Parliament from the Shor party Vadim Fotescu said that the authorities, fearing popular anger, are purchasing equipment to forcefully disperse protests:
“They turned parliamentary meetings into party meetings, no one asks questions, there is no transparency. They receive millions in loans, they have driven the country deeply into debt, but no one understands where this money goes, the people do not receive any benefit from it. “I call on the forces of law and order not to carry out criminal orders from the authorities and not to act against their own citizens.”
The leader of the political formation, Ilan Shor, who was forced to leave the country, addressed the rally participants via video link. He stated that protest rallies will continue until this government is overthrown:
“They destroyed everything, they ruined people's lives. We have gathered here to defend the interests of the people, to protect them from these yellow impostors who are destroying our country. We have two options: give up or fight to the end. And we chose to fight."
Ilan Shor announced a new nationwide mass rally in Chisinau, which will take place on September 18. The action, he said, will begin at the presidential palace and will be continuous.
“On September 18, we are announcing a national protest, at which the people of the Republic of Moldova will demand early elections. Until we win, we will not leave the streets. Maia Sandu no longer represents the people and must leave, immediately. Let her pack her belongings and leave where she came from. I believe in our victory, I believe in the victory of the Republic of Moldova!” the politician said in front of thousands of people gathered.
Let us note that the party led by Ilan Shor is not the only opposition force in Moldova. According to available information, many ordinary members of the communist and socialist parties are dissatisfied with the passive position of the leadership of these parties and are also ready to take part in rallies held by the Shor party.
Perhaps this will force the party leadership to also begin organizing their own protest rallies for fear of losing the electorate. However, the Moldovan government, led by President Maia Sandu, who enjoys unlimited support from the collective West, is currently confident in its strength. Its position can only be shaken if all opposition forces without exception - from socialists to Shor and the Civil Congress - unite their efforts into a single nationwide protest campaign.
English version :: Read in English "We won't leave the streets." Protests continue outside the presidential palace in Chisinau.