Crowded demonstrations in Moldova in favor of the accession to the European Union

By Santiago Vera Garcia

Tens of thousands of Moldovans took part in demonstrations called by the government in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, in support of their country’s entry into the European Union (EU) amid accusations issued by Moldovan authorities against Russian attempts to destabilize their country.

Moldova has been severely affected by Putin’s invasion of Ukrainian territory, which has led Chisinau not only to condemn it but to hasten the process of joining the Union.

As one of the poorest countries in Europe, Moldova has received hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees since the invasion began almost 15 months ago.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has accused Russia of trying to sabotage its European integration by fueling anti-government protests and propaganda, which Moscow has repeatedly denied.

Sandu, a US-educated former World Bank official, came to power in Moldova in November 2020, replacing Igor Dodon, a Moscow-backed socialist president whose tenure was marked by economic stagnation and some corruption scandals.

“Moldova does not want to be blackmailed by the Kremlin,” Sandu said at the rally called by her government in the capital’s central square.

“We no longer want to be on the outskirts of Europe,” he added, promising that Moldova would become a member of the EU by 2030.

“We came to say loudly, confidently, and proudly that Moldovans are Europeans!” the acting president expressed.

“This is the opportunity for our people to live in peace and prosperity.”

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, also said she was present at the demonstration during her visit to Chisinau.

In front of thousands of Moldovans, she said that Europe would welcome Moldova with open arms and hearts.

Moldovans “will bring a piece of Moldova to Europe and make Europe stronger.”

More than 75,000 people took part in the demonstration in the capital on Sunday, according to initial police estimates.

Demonstrators waved European Union flags and chanted pro-European slogans.

In addition, the demonstrators called on their political leaders to amend the constitution to mention the country’s European orientation specifically.

“I believe in a European Moldova, and I want for my country a future with advanced economic and socio-political development,” said one of the protesters.

“We are a bit behind at the moment, but gradually we will catch up and be on par with Europe.”

The demonstration comes just days before a European Political Community summit meeting planned for June 1, where Sandu wants to ratify his promises that Moldova will soon start EU accession negotiations.

The meeting aims to improve cooperation between the EU and non-members, including aspiring member countries from the Western Balkans and the Caucasus.

Sunday’s event, however, generated criticism from some opposition parties and some pro-European lawmakers, who said it was a misuse of government resources.

The leader of the pro-Russian opposition party, exiled businessman Ilan Shor, told his supporters through a video broadcast in some opposition-led counter-demonstrations in some Moldovan cities that he would seek a referendum to change the direction of Moldova’s foreign policy.

Shor, sanctioned by the United States as an agent of Russian influence in Moldova, received a 15-year jail sentence in absentia last month for his key role in stealing US$1 billion from Moldovan banks in 2014.

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