2015–2016 protests in Moldova

Large-scale protests in Maldova 2015–2016 protests in Moldova Protestul Platformei „DA” (5 aprilie 2015).jpg Demonstration in Chișinău, 5 April 27 March 2015 – 13 November 2016(3 27 2015 11 13 2016) Mainly ChișinăuDiaspora: Bucharest, Paris, Vicenza, etc. Worsening economic situation Low standard of living Political corruption 2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal Expulsion of George Simion Resignation of the government and presidenthttp://infoprut.ro/39097-protestatarii-de-la-chisinau-cer-demisia-guvernului-si-a-parlamentului.html Protestatarii de la Chişinău cer demisia guvernului şi a parlamentului InfoPrut Modiga Iulia 3 May 2015 Romanian Dissolution of the parliament Early elections European integration of Moldova Resignation of Filip Cabinet Unification of Moldova and Romania Demonstration, protest march, sit-in, roadblock,http://adevarul.ro/moldova/actualitate/protestatarii-dinscuarul-parlamentului-blocat-bulevardul-Stefan-mare-1_561b4ae6f5eaafab2c904b76/index.html Protestatarii din scuarul Parlamentului au blocat Bulevardul Ştefan cel Mare. Dodon arată cu degetul spre Usatîi Adevărul Nica Virginia 12 October 2015 Romanian picketing,http://tass.ru/en/world/820923 Protesters in Moldova begin picketing state institutions TASS 14 September 2015 flash mob Resignation of Chiril Gaburicihttp://www.dw.com/en/moldovan-prime-minister-gaburici-resigns/a-18513146 Moldovan Prime Minister Gaburici resigns Deutsche Welle 12 June 2015 Streleț Cabinet dismissed by parliamenthttps://news.yahoo.com/moldovan-pm-says-wont-resign-ahead-confidence-vote-094738748.html Moldovan Parliament dismisses govt, bringing instability Yahoo! News Corneliu Rusnac 29 October 2015 2016 political crisis National Unity Bloc Logo of the Dignity and Truth Platform Party (2022).svg Civic Platform Dignity and Truth Anti-communist and anti-Russian protesters Pro-European activists Pro-Romanian activists Anti-government demonstrators Moldova Government of Moldova Seal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Moldova.png Ministry of Internal Affairs Drapel IGP RM.jpg General Inspectorate of Police Flag of the President of Moldova.svg President of Moldova Logo of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova.svg Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova Logo of the Our Party (Moldova).svg Our Party Flag of the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova.svg Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova The Party of "Our Home – Moldova" Pro-Russian politicians and other Russophiles Leaders of DA Platform: Andrei Năstase Vasile Năstase Valentin Dolganiuc Unionists and pro-Romanian activists: George Simion, Vitalia Pavlicenco, Anatol Petrencu,http://www.activenews.ro/video/Marea-Adunare-Nationala-de-la-Chisinau.-Mii-de-persoane-au-strigat-Unire-120008 Marea Adunare Naţională de la Chişinău. Mii de persoane au strigat "Unire"! Active News Matei Tudor 5 July 2015 Romanian 21 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195037/https://www.activenews.ro/video/Marea-Adunare-Nationala-de-la-Chisinau.-Mii-de-persoane-au-strigat-Unire-120008 14 June 2018 dead Valeriu Saharneanu, Val Butnaru, Mihai Cimpoi, Ion Negrei, Petru Bogatu, Alexandru Bantoș Others: Dorin Chirtoacă Pasha Parfenyhttp://www.timpul.md/articol/ce-zice-tiraspolul-utag-i-intelectualitatea-despre-protestul-din-pman-79055.html Ce zice Tiraspolul, UTAG și intelectualitatea despre protestul din PMAN Timpul.md Păduraru Pavel 11 September 2015 Romanian Cătălin Josan Chiril Gaburici (PM)Valeriu Streleț (PM)Pavel Filip (PM)Nicolae Timofti (P)Igor Dodon (P) Vladimir VoroninIgor DodonRenato UsatîiGrigore Petrenco At peak: 100,000 (September 2015)https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/06/moldova-protesters-take-to-streets-criticising-mafia-government Moldova protesters take to streets criticising 'mafia' government The Guardian Alec Luhn 6 September 2015 30,000 (7 July 2015) 20,000 (27 September 2015)http://www.mediafax.ro/externe/aproximativ-20-000-de-persoane-protesteaza-fata-de-guvernul-proeuropean-de-la-chisinau-14758886 Aproximativ 20.000 de persoane protestează faţă de guvernul proeuropean de la Chişinău Mediafax Vidu Valentin 27 September 2015 Romanian 7 injured 15 injured Starting in the spring of 2015, Moldova experienced large-scale protests amid a worsening economic situation and corruption scandals. The protests gained momentum in September, when up to 100,000 people demonstrated in the largest protest since Moldova's independence from the Soviet Union in August 1991. The protests have been organised by a grass-roots citizens' movement, Dignity and Truth (ro Demnitate și Adevăr), that was established in February 2015 as a response to the disappearance of $1 billion from the Moldovan banks in 2014. Dignity and Truth is led by lawyers, journalists and other well-known figures in Moldova. Background Unification of Moldova and Romania 2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal In Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries,http://www.eubusiness.com/europe/moldova/factfile Moldova: One of Europe's poorest lands EUbusiness 30 November 2014 nearly 17% of the population live below the poverty line.http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr14-report-en-1.pdf Human Development Report 2014 UNDP Moreover, with an average wage of about $129 per month, Moldova reportedly has the lowest standard of living in Europe.https://books.google.com/books?id=iC_VBQAAQBAJ&q=moldova+has+lowest+standard+of+living&pg=PA945 Political Handbook of the World 2014 Lansford Thomas CQ Press 945 15 April 2014 978-1-4833-3328-1 In 2014, $1 billion vanished from three of Moldova's leading banks.The great Moldovan bank robbery, BBC News (18 June 2015) In two days loans worth $1 billion were transferred in to United Kingdom and Hong Kong-registered companies whose ultimate owners are unknown.The billion-dollar ex-council flat, BBC News (7 October 2015) Banks are administered by the National Bank of Moldova, so this loss was covered from state reserves. This protected depositors but created a hole in Moldovan public finances equivalent to an eighth of the country's GDP. Protesters claim this damaged their living standards.Thousands join Moldova anti-government protest, BBC News (13 September 2015) The issue highlighted the problem of corruption in Moldova and although the government has promised an investigation, protest leaders have called for a campaign of civil disobedience, a general strike and a refusal to pay utility bills in order to force the resignation of the government. Likewise, as a response to the $1 billion disappearance the grass-roots citizens' movement Dignity and Truth (ro Dreptate și Adevăr) was established in February 2015. This organization is led by lawyers, journalists and other well-known figures in Moldova. Advocates of unification with Romania see this step as a solution to Moldova's economic, political and social crisis, but also in the context of the tensions in neighbouring Ukraine.http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/moldova-stuck-in-limbo-between-its-east-and-west-1.2243253 Moldova stuck in limbo between its east and west The Irish Times Mallinder Lorraine 10 June 2015 Polls up to May 2015 showed 10 to 20 percent of Moldovans supported unification. Name The protests are dubbed in the international press as the Moldovan Maidan (due to similar circumstances with Ukrainian Euromaidan)http://www.voxeurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/4927218-moldovan-maidan Anti-corruption protests in Chişinău: A Moldovan Maidan? VoxEurop.eu 5 May 2015http://www.dw.com/ro/maidan-pa%C8%99nic-la-chi%C8%99in%C4%83u-demonstra%C8%9Bie-de-amploare-%C3%AEmpotriva-guvernan%C8%9Bilor/a-18697205 "Maidan" pașnic la Chișinău: demonstrație de amploare împotriva guvernanților Deutsche Welle Călugăreanu Vitalie 7 September 2015 Romanian and Anti-oligarchic movement.http://jurnal.md/en/politic/2015/9/7/saakashvili-protests-from-chisinau-an-anti-oligarchic-movement-moldovans-are-sick-of-clans-and-corruption/ Saakashvili: "Protests from Chişinău – an anti-oligarchic movement; Moldovans are sick of clans and corruption" Jurnal.md 7 September 2015 21 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083226/http://jurnal.md/en/politic/2015/9/7/saakashvili-protests-from-chisinau-an-anti-oligarchic-movement-moldovans-are-sick-of-clans-and-corruption/ 4 March 2016 deadhttp://www.jamestown.org/regions/europe/moldova/ Toppling Moldova's Government: Popular Movement or Political Operation? Socor Vladimir 9 September 2015 12 161 Eurasia Daily Monitor The Jamestown Foundation 21 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160217145249/http://www.jamestown.org/regions/europe/moldova/ 17 February 2016 dead dmy-all In Moldova, media outlets cataloged the events as a Red Revolution, due to involvement of communist and socialist parties in the protests.http://unimedia.info/stiri/revolutia-rosie--dupa-ce-au-blocat-centrul-capitalei--dodon-si-usatii-vor-sa-paralizeze-drumurile-nationale-101987.html Revoluția roșie. După ce au blocat centrul capitalei, Dodon și Usatîi vor să paralizeze drumurile naționale Unimedia 3 October 2015 Romanian Protesters' profile The protesters have formed two distinct camps: pro-European sympathizers and those who support pro-Russian parties. But while they may be separated by aspirations and ideologies, both sides have similar aims: the resignation of the government, the conviction of corrupt oligarchs and early elections.http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/moldovas-maidan-echoes-ukraine-crisis-amid-anti-corruption-protest-movement-1523124 Moldova's Maidan: Echoes of Ukraine crisis amid anti-corruption protest movement International Business Times 8 October 2015 For those in the pro-Russian camp, the corruption cases have provoked a crisis of confidence in the European project. Moldova signed an association agreement with the European Union in 2013, committing to core reforms, economic recovery, sector cooperation and justice, but anti-European sentiment is growing. An April 2015 poll found that 32% of Moldovans favoured joining the EU, a decrease of 46 percent compared to 78% in 2007.http://www.mediafax.ro/externe/ue-pare-sa-piarda-lupta-cu-rusia-pentru-republica-moldova-14311781 UE pare să piardă lupta cu Rusia pentru Republica Moldova Mediafax Enache Iuliana 21 May 2015 Romanian Timeline Farmers' protests The National Farmers Federation of Moldova, the Republican Association UniAgroProtect, the National Farmers Federation AGROinform and the Association Moldova-Fruct organized on 27 March and 15 April protest action by farmers throughout the country.http://agora.md/stiri/8134/fermierii-ameninta-cu-blocarea-tuturor-intrarilor-in-chisinau Fermierii amenință cu blocarea tuturor intrărilor în Chișinău Agora 27 April 2015 Romanian According to organizers, the protests mobilized more than 5,000 farmers. They blocked national roads with agricultural machinery. Farmers oppose a VAT increase from 8% to 20% and demand swift access to a credit line of nearly €100 million offered by Poland with a subsidized interest rate.http://stiri.tvr.ro/mii-de-fermieri-din-republica-moldova-au-protestat-cu-utilajele-pe-drumurile-nationale_58400.html Mii de fermieri din Republica Moldova au protestat cu utilajele pe drumurile naţionale Ştirile TVR 27 March 2015 Romanian 6 July 2015 27 October 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181027201827/http://stiri.tvr.ro/mii-de-fermieri-din-republica-moldova-au-protestat-cu-utilajele-pe-drumurile-nationale_58400.html dead Farmers say that, because of the devaluation of the leu, resulting from de facto nationalization of the banks at the heart of the economic crisis, they can't service outstanding loans. They had several meetings with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Finance, but were not satisfied with the result.http://www.europalibera.org/content/article/26924326.html Mii de fermieri au protestat în R. Moldova, cerând subvenții mai mari pentru agricultură Radio Europa Liberă Basiul Valentina 27 March 2015 Romanianhttp://protv.md/stiri/social/ministerul-agriculturii-nu-cedeaza-chiar-daca-fermierii-ameninta---929231.html Ministerul Agriculturii NU cedeaza: Chiar daca fermierii ameninta cu proteste, nimic NU mai poate fi schimbat: "Asa a decis Guvernul" Stirile Pro TV 10 April 2015 Romanian The farmers' demands include replenishment of subsidy funds in 2015 to 1.2 billion lei, the release of the lending process in agriculture and the decrease of the lending interest rate.http://agora.md/stiri/7763/foto--mai-multe-trasee-nationale--blocate--fermierii-protesteaza-pentru-a-si-revendica-drepturile Mai multe trasee naționale, BLOCATE. Fermierii protestează pentru a-şi revendica drepturile Agora 15 April 2015 Romanian 5 April demonstration thumb|left|200px|Protest of DA Platform in Chișinău, on 5 April Tens of thousands of people across the country gathered in downtown Chișinău, at the call of the Dignity and Truth Platform, in an action of protest against the collapse of the financial and banking system, but also against judicial corruption.http://www.jurnal.md/ro/social/2015/4/5/proteste-de-amploare-la-chisinau-mii-de-oameni-au-scandat-hotii-de-la-guvernare-la-puscarie/ Proteste de amploare la Chişinău; Mii de oameni au scandat: "Hoţii de la guvernare, la puşcărie!" Jurnal.md 5 April 2015 Romanian 21 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114954/http://www.jurnal.md/ro/social/2015/4/5/proteste-de-amploare-la-chisinau-mii-de-oameni-au-scandat-hotii-de-la-guvernare-la-puscarie/ 4 March 2016 dead Demonstrators chanted slogans against the government led by Chiril Gaburici and demanded the unification of Moldova and Romania.http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Extern/Europa/Protest+Chisinau+Republica+Moldova+violente+7+aprilie+2009 Mii de persoane au protestat la Chişinău, la şase ani de la violenţele din aprilie 2009 Digi24 5 April 2015 Romanian Gaburici resigned on 22 June after an investigation into alleged fraud in his educational qualifications and was replaced permanently by Valeriu Streleț on 30 July. 3 May demonstration right Protest rally in the capital's center in pictures on PS News Great National Gathering of 6 September on Jurnal.md Protest in PMAN in pictures on TeleRadio Moldova _RvWwM6WaT4 Popular protest against thieves in government djV_J8yzLls "Union will take place over the next two years. Are you ready?" 5YIqs63auEI Meeting of 7 June Anticorruption Protests Surge In Moldova on RFE/RL Pictures of the DA protest, coated with drone on Moldova24 On 3 May, up to 50,000 people protested against the Government of Moldova, saying it had failed to implement reforms to bring the country closer to the European Union. Protesters also called on the government to investigate the disappearance of $1 billion (nearly 1/8 of the country's GDP)https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/05/05/kyiv-ukraine-moldova-globalpost/26923909/ Someone stole $1B from Moldova — an eighth of its GDP USA Today Peleschuk Dan 5 May 2015https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/moldovas-missing-1bn-sparks-protests-against-countrys-government-10231115.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/moldovas-missing-1bn-sparks-protests-against-countrys-government-10231115.html 2022-05-01 subscription live Moldova's missing $1bn sparks protests against country's government The Independent O'Connor Roisin 7 May 2015 from the state-owned Savings Bank and the private banks Unibank, Banca de Economii and Banca Socială, in November 2014 before parliamentary elections.https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-bank-scandal-economy/26973772.html Moldova's Missing Millions: Massive Bank Scandal Roils Chisinau Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Baker Mark 23 April 2015 The central bank commissioned risk consultancy Kroll to conduct a preliminary investigation into the activities of the three stricken banks. Their findings were confidential but on 4 May parliament speaker Andrian Candu published what he said was Kroll's report on his website. "There appears to have been a deliberate plan to gain control of each of the banks and subsequently manipulate transactions to gain access to credit, whilst giving the appearance to the contrary", the report said.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-moldova-corruption-banks-idUSKBN0NQ1XD20150505 Moldova seeks to solve riddle of missing $1 billion Reuters Tanas Alexander 5 May 2015 The protest activities were mobilized by the newly founded citizen platform called "Dignity and Truth" – allegedly financed by Viorel and Victor Topa, two exiled businessmen – to which leading personalities in Moldovan civil society belong.http://www.dw.de/spring-again-in-the-republic-of-moldova-mass-protest-against-corruption/a-18428422 Spring again in the Republic of Moldova – mass protest against corruption Deutsche Welle Calugareanu Vitalie Schwartz Robert 4 May 2015 Expulsion of George Simion A protest took place on 14 May, in Bucharest, in front of the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova, calling for an "urgent revocation of abusive measures" taken by the Chișinău authorities against Romanian citizen George Simion.http://www.romanialibera.ro/actualitate/eveniment/protest-fata-de-expulzarea-lui-george-simion-din-r--moldova-378421 Protest faţă de expulzarea lui George Simion din R. Moldova România Liberă Dolana Andra 14 May 2015 Romanian The measure was seen as an attempt to intimidate the protest announced for 16 May. Simion had come to Moldova to help organize and take part in the march. He was expelled for five years on 14 May on grounds that his activities could endanger national security.Thousands Rally In Moldova For Unification With Romania, Radio Free Europe (15 May 2015) Despite this, more than 25,000 people gathered in Grand National Assembly Squarehttps://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-unification-rally-chisinau-romania/27020131.html Thousands Rally In Moldova For Unification With Romania Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 16 May 2015http://www.libertatea.ro/detalii/articol/prosteste-chisinau-unirea-cu-romania-536305.html Peste 25.000 de oameni au protestat ÎN CENTRUL CHIȘINĂULUI. MOLDOVENII au cerut unirea cu ROMÂNIA Libertatea 16 May 2015 Romanian in the largest pro-Romanian manifestation in Chișinău in recent years.http://www.timpul.md/articol/cel-mai-mare-protest-pro-romanesc-la-chiinau-din-istoria-recenta--o-mare-adunare-naionala-anunata-pentru-5-iulie---video-74423.html Cel mai mare PROTEST pro-românesc la Chișinău din istoria recentă. O MARE ADUNARE NAȚIONALĂ anunțată pentru 5 iulie Timpul.md 16 May 2015 Romanian Most of the protesters were young people and intellectuals.http://www.ziare.com/europa/moldova/rusia-nu-uita-basarabia-nu-i-a-ta-zeci-de-mii-de-moldoveni-au-cerut-unirea-duminica-vin-spre-romania-galerie-foto-1363555 "Rusia, nu uita, Basarabia nu-i a ta" – Zeci de mii de moldoveni au cerut Unirea. Duminica vin spre Romania Ziare.com Robu Diana 16 May 2015 Romanian They demanded the unification of Moldova and Romania and displayed placards with unionist and anti-Russian messages. Demonstrators were joined, among others, by Mayor of Chișinău Dorin Chirtoacă.http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/international/peste-25-000-de-oameni-s-au-strans-in-centrul-chisinaului-la-un-miting-pentru-unirea-cu-romania-imagini-live-video.html Peste 25.000 de oameni au participat, la Chisinau, la un miting pentru unirea cu Romania: "Armata rusa afara!" Stirile Pro TV 16 May 2015 Romanian Column of protesters made several stops in front of the embassies of Romania, Germany, the United States and Russia. Participants at the unionist march voted for the formation of the National Unity Bloc (ro Blocul Unității Naționale), adjoining 22 non-governmental entities, including Youth of Moldova, Action 2012, Association Light of Transnistrian Teachers, Queen Helen Foundation, Children Charity Foundation Sidereal Moment, Association of Former Deportees in USSR, Association Tiras-Bender, etc.http://www.revista22.ro/25000-de-oameni-participa-la-chisinau-la-un-miting-pentru-unirea-cu-romania-55845.html 25.000 de oameni participa la Chisinau la un miting pentru unirea cu Romania Revista 22 C. P. 16 May 2015 Romanian 21 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20180614200525/https://www.revista22.ro/25000-de-oameni-participa-la-chisinau-la-un-miting-pentru-unirea-cu-romania-55845.html 14 June 2018 dead The march ended with the signing of a Pact of Union, Pact for Europe.http://stiri.tvr.ro/chisinau--peste-20-de-mii-de-oameni-au-cerut-integrarea-europeana-a-moldovei-si-unirea-cu-romania_60473.html Chişinău: Peste 20 de mii de oameni au cerut integrarea europeană a Moldovei şi unirea cu România Ştirile TVR 16 May 2015 Romanian 6 July 2015 9 October 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181009102552/http://stiri.tvr.ro/chisinau--peste-20-de-mii-de-oameni-au-cerut-integrarea-europeana-a-moldovei-si-unirea-cu-romania_60473.html dead A bus with 50 members of the Moldovan Youth organization and others who wanted to attend the rally were blocked and legitimated by police in Cahul. Meanwhile, about 40 high school students from Florești were warned by telephone, through parents, by the police that if they participate in demonstrations on 16 May, they would suffer as during the protests of 7 April 2009.http://adevarul.ro/moldova/actualitate/politiaincearca-blocheze-marsul-unirii-1_555726d1cfbe376e3541dc02/index.html Poliţia încearcă să blocheze Marşul Unirii Adevărul Filimon Alexandru 16 May 2015 Romanian Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta conducted a visit to Chișinău on the occasion of Moldovan Independence Day, being greeted by about 200 young men with masks featuring George Simion. "We want to see justice done in the case of George Simion, we want functional justice and we believe that true sovereignty, independence and freedom can only be achieved through union", stated Anatol Ursu, one of the organizers of the flash mob.http://www.evzmd.md/politica/268-politic/26465-ponta,-intampinat-la-chi%C8%99inau-intr-un-mod-inedit.html Ponta, întâmpinat la Chișinău într-un mod inedit Evenimentul Zilei Moraru Anatol 27 August 2015 Romanian After pressure from civil society and Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu, Chișinău Court of Appeal decided, on 18 September, to lift the ban imposed on George Simion.http://www.romanialibera.ro/actualitate/eveniment/r--moldova--autoritatile-au-ridicat-interdictia-impusa-liderului-platformei-unioniste-actiunea-2012-393393?c=q2562 R. Moldova: Autorităţile AU RIDICAT interdicţia impusă lui George Simion, liderul Platformei Unioniste România Liberă Filimon Paul 18 September 2015 Romanian On 22 September, Romanian and Moldovan governments met in joint session, in Neptun. At the same time, over 300 people gathered outside the building where the meeting was held, demanding unification of Moldova with Romania.http://www.romaniatv.net/protest-in-neptun--unde-are-loc-sedinta-de-guvern-romano-moldoveana--vrem-unirea--dna--treci-prutul_246019.html INCIDENTE la Neptun, înaintea şedinţei de Guvern România-Moldova: Unioniştii s-au îmbrâncit cu jandarmii România TV Tudor Iulian 22 September 2015 Romanian Before the meeting began, protesters tried to force the cordon of gendarmes to get closer to the building, and some of them jostled with law enforcers. The heads of the two governments agreed to talk to the unionists. March of Stephen the Great thumb|200px|Unified Romania, including Transnistria, as envisaged by unionists On 5 July 2015, up to 30,000 people, according to organizers, gathered in Grand National Assembly Square, Chișinău, facing Government House and the Monument to the Victims of the Soviet Occupation, to demand the unification of Moldova and Romania. Participants chanted unionist slogans and voted symbolically for a union. Organized by Action 2012 and Youth of Moldova, the manifestation was claimed to be one of the largest in the recent history of Moldova and the fourth great national gathering after those of 27 August 1989 (calling for a restoration of the Latin script), 16 December 1990 (in support of changing the name of the state to Republic of Moldova) and 27 August 1991 (celebrating the proclamation of independence from the USSR).http://adevarul.ro/moldova/actualitate/livetext-video-zi-istorica-republica-moldova-chisinau-moldovenii-cer-unirea-romania-1_5598e541f5eaafab2c415a44/index.html Zi istorică pentru Republica Moldova. La Chişinău, moldovenii au cerut unirea cu România. Aceştia speră să o sărbătorească în 2018 Adevărul Stimpovschii Doina Vasiliu Vadim 5 July 2015 Romanian Among participants were present Members of the Romanian Parliament and Moldovans from the Diaspora. Thousands of young people among the participants in the Great National Gathering headed to Bucharest in the March of Stephen the Great (ro Marșul lui Ștefan cel Mare) calling for the unification of Moldova with Romania. The march lasted a week, from 5 to 11 July. In the Republic of Moldova, the march followed the route Strășeni–Lozova–Călărași–Cornești–Ungheni.http://infoprut.ro/40472-marsul-lui-stefan-cel-mare-mii-de-tineri-dintre-participantii-la-man-au-plecat-pe-jos-spre-bucuresti-pentru-unire.html Mii de tineri dintre participanţii la MAN au plecat pe jos spre București pentru unire InfoPrut Stan Liviu G. 5 July 2015 Romanian 6 July 2015 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034323/http://infoprut.ro/40472-marsul-lui-stefan-cel-mare-mii-de-tineri-dintre-participantii-la-man-au-plecat-pe-jos-spre-bucuresti-pentru-unire.html dead Participants crossed the Prut River, on 11 July, at 10 a.m., in a large-scale reenactment of the Bridges of Flowers in 1990.http://www.agerpres.ro/externe/2015/07/05/marea-adunare-nationala-de-la-chisinau-30-000-de-participanti-17-38-19 Marea Adunare Națională de la Chișinău: 30.000 de participanți Agerpres 5 July 2015 Romanian 6 July 2015 25 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150725191440/http://www.agerpres.ro/externe/2015/07/05/marea-adunare-nationala-de-la-chisinau-30-000-de-participanti-17-38-19 dead Their march ended in Bucharest, where were greeted by several hundred Romanian citizens in University Square, before making their way to the Cotroceni Palace to call on Romanian President Klaus Iohannis to support the unification project.http://uatoday.tv/society/supporters-of-moldova-rsquo-s-union-with-romania-finish-week-long-march-455454.html Supporters of Moldova's union with Romania finish week-long march Ukraine Today 13 July 2015 Former Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin has sharply condemned the march to Romania. In a letter to European Parliament President Martin Schulz, released on 7 July, Voronin accused Bucharest of fomenting "the destruction and annexation of Moldova".http://www.eurasianet.org/node/74176 Moldova: Pondering Unification with Romania? EurasiaNet.org 10 July 2015 Autumn protests thumb|200px|Tens of thousands demonstrating in central Chișinău on 6 September thumb|200px|Tents installed in the town of "Dignity and Freedom", as protesters dubbed their encampment in front of PM office.http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/international/manifestatia-anticoruptie-continua-la-chisinau-30-de-corturi-au-fost-instalate-in-oraselul-demnitatii-si-libertatii.html Manifestatia anticoruptie continua la Chisinau. 30 de corturi au fost instalate in oraselul "Demnitatii si Libertatii" Stirile Pro TV 7 September 2015 Romanian thumb|200px|Demonstrators marching with anti-oligarchic banners on Alexander Pushkin Street Tens of thousands of peoplehttp://www.euronews.com/2015/09/06/moldovans-protest-over-banking-scandal-in-a-rare-show-of-defiance/ Moldovans protest over banking scandal in a rare show of defiance Euronews 6 September 2015https://www.wsj.com/articles/moldovans-demand-investigation-into-missing-money-1441573042 Moldovans Demand Investigation Into Missing Money The Wall Street Journal 6 September 2015 manifested in Chișinău at the call of the Justice and Truth Platform.http://www.gandul.info/international/zeci-de-mii-de-persoane-cer-la-chisinau-demisia-presedintelui-timofti-14702174 Zeci de mii de persoane cer la Chişinău demisia preşedintelui Timofti Gândul Vidu Valentin 6 September 2015 Romanian According to police, between 35,000 and 40,000 people attended the demonstration, while organizers estimated around 100,000 participants.http://www.jurnal.md/ro/politic/2015/9/6/a-inceput-marea-adunare-nationala-mii-de-oameni-protesteaza-in-centrul-chisinaului-fata-de-regimul-oligarhic/ A început Marea Adunare Naţională; Mii de oameni protestează în centrul Chişinăului faţă de regimul oligarhic Jurnal.md 6 September 2015 Romanian 21 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114426/http://www.jurnal.md/ro/politic/2015/9/6/a-inceput-marea-adunare-nationala-mii-de-oameni-protesteaza-in-centrul-chisinaului-fata-de-regimul-oligarhic/ 4 March 2016 dead The protest was the biggest since Moldova's independence movement in the early 1990s,http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/international/este-cea-mai-mare-adunare-nationala-de-la-independenta-r-moldova-zeci-de-mii-de-moldoveni-isi-cer-in-strada-tara-inapoi.html "Este cea mai mare adunare nationala de la independenta R. Moldova". Zeci de mii de moldoveni isi cer in strada tara inapoi Stirile Pro TV 6 September 2015 Romanian bigger even than the mass anti-communist protests of April 2009.http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-moldova-protests-idUKKCN0R60OV20150906 https://web.archive.org/web/20160126135842/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-moldova-protests-idUKKCN0R60OV20150906 dead January 26, 2016 Tens of thousands rally in Moldova against $1 billion bank fraud Tanas Alexander 6 September 2015 Participants adopted a resolution demanding early elections, the resignation of President Nicolae Timofti and all leading institutions of law, including the Prosecutor General's office and the National Anticorruption Center. thumb|left|200px|Targeted by protests, Vladimir Plahotniuc, politician and influential businessman, fled the country after the 6 September demonstration. Clashes broke out with police at the prosecutor general's headquarters, where activists attempted to set up an occupy-style tent encampment. Opposition leaders have accused the prosecutor general of being an instrument of political persecution. Supporters of the radical left Red Bloc Party tried to break the police cordon and forcibly enter the prosecutor's office.http://www.romanialibera.ro/actualitate/international/chisinau--confruntari-violente-intre-manifestanti-si-politisti--mai-multe-persoane--ranite--391895?c=q2561 Chișinău: Confruntări violente între manifestanți și polițiști. Mai multe persoane, RĂNITE România Liberă Dolana Andra 6 September 2015 Romanian Police detained seven activists,http://www.romaniatv.net/zeci-de-mii-de-oameni-cer-la-chisinau-demisia-presedintelui-timofti-acuzat-ca-serve-te-interesele-oligarhilor_243073.html Zeci de mii de oameni cer la Chişinău demisia preşedintelui Timofti, acuzat că serveşte interesele oligarhilor România TV Tudor Iulian 6 September 2015 Romanian including Antifa movement leader, Grigory Petrenko.http://www.iacenter.org/actions/petrenko/ Free Grigory Petrenko and anti-oligarchy prisoners in Moldova! International Action Center 9 September 2015 21 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201951/http://www.iacenter.org/actions/petrenko/ 4 March 2016 dead A team from a local television station in Moldova was accosted by demonstrators.http://www.romaniatv.net/violente-si-haos-la-chisinau-mii-de-oameni-in-strada-fortele-de-ordine-intervin-video_243056.html VIOLENŢE şi HAOS la Chişinău. Mii de oameni în stradă, forţele de ordine au intervenit România TV Stan Filip 6 September 2015 Romanian Likewise, six policemen were injured and one woman was hospitalised. According to Interior Minister Oleg Balan, "their scope was to devastate the prosecutor's office".http://protv.md/stiri/actualitate/opt-persoane-retinute-dupa-protestul-de-la-procuratura-generala---1124891.html Dupa altercatiile din fata Procuraturii Generale, politia a deschis 7 cauze penale pentru violenta asupra politistilor Stirile Pro TV 7 September 2015 Romanian Police removed tents in front of the prosecutor's office.http://adevarul.ro/moldova/politica/update-chisinaul-iese-strada-reformarea-clasei-politice-1_55ebf750f5eaafab2c4f9ae7/index.html Maidan la Chişinău: Confruntări soldate cu răniţi şi arestaţi după ce unii manifestanţi au încercat să părtrundă în clădiri publice Adevărul 6 September 2015 Romanian However, more than 90 tents were set up by protesters in Grand National Assembly Square, vowing to continue their protest until demands are met.http://www.jurnal.md/ro/social/2015/9/7/protestul-din-6-septembrie-continua-peste-90-de-corturi-instalate-in-oraselul-demnitatii-si-libertatii/ Protestul din 6 septembrie continuă; Peste 90 de corturi, instalate în orăşelul "Demnităţii şi Libertăţii" Jurnal.md 7 September 2015 Romanian 21 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20170507193227/http://www.jurnal.md/ro/social/2015/9/7/protestul-din-6-septembrie-continua-peste-90-de-corturi-instalate-in-oraselul-demnitatii-si-libertatii/ 7 May 2017 dead https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-protests-bank-fraud/27229723.html Moldovan Protest Leaders Set Up Tent City, Vow To Stay Until Demands Met Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 7 September 2015 Three Russian journalists from the pro-Kremlin television LifeNews were detained at Chișinău International Airport. They were forbidden to enter the Republic of Moldova.http://adevarul.ro/international/europa/protest-foc-continuu-centrul-chisinaului-1_55eda6c1f5eaafab2c5b035d/index.html Protest la foc continuu în centrul Chişinăului Adevărul 7 September 2015 Romanian The film crew intended to publicize the protests. Russian officials reacted to the arrest of three journalists. "Actions of the new leadership in Chișinău demonstrate their unwillingness to have constructive relations with Russia", stated Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.http://www.timpul.md/articol/reactia-moscovei-in-cazul-jurnalistilor-rusi-retinuti-in-moldova-78907.html Reacţia Moscovei în cazul jurnaliştilor ruşi reţinuţi în Moldova Timpul.md 8 September 2015 Romanian In the same context, Zakharova mentions that authorities' actions against Russian journalists "violate freedom of speech and access to information". Prime Minister Valeriu Streleț invited protest organisers to "talks", at the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters, but they announced they will not attend the meeting. A group of representatives of the Platform previously participated in a meeting with Streleț, at the Government headquarters, where they asked him to sign the list of claims, which was presented in the square. Amid the protests against the oligarchic regime, Vladimir Plahotniuc fled Moldova the same day for Geneva.http://www.evzmd.md/actualitate/257-actualitate/27030-update-protest-organizatorii-anunta-cifra-participan%C8%9Bilor-andrei-nastase-plahotniuc-a-fugit-la-geneva.html Angela Aramă: "Haideți să închidem Aeroportul". Grupul de contact al Platformei DA se îndreaptă spre sediul Guvernului, unde este așteptat de premierul Valeriu Streleț Evenimentul Zilei 6 September 2015 Romanian Concomitantly with the meeting, the Unité phone company, belonging state-owned telco Moldtelecom, announced intentions to organise a free, open air concert, immediately criticised as an attempt to undermine the protest.http://www.agerpres.ro/externe/2015/09/06/ampla-manifestatie-antiguvernamentala-la-chisinau-vrem-tara-inapoi-scandeaza-mii-de-protestatari-14-53-30 Amplă manifestație antiguvernamentală la Chișinău: "Vrem țara înapoi", scandează mii de protestatari Agerpres Traci Liliana 6 September 2015 Romanian 7 September 2015 9 September 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150909144658/http://www.agerpres.ro/externe/2015/09/06/ampla-manifestatie-antiguvernamentala-la-chisinau-vrem-tara-inapoi-scandeaza-mii-de-protestatari-14-53-30 dead Under the pressure of comments on social networks, many artists, starting with Ștefan Bănică, Jr., have declined participation, which could be interpreted as a political gesture. A week later, another major protest took place in Chișinău,http://www.euronews.com/2015/09/13/large-rally-raises-pressure-on-moldovan-government-over-banking-scandal/ Large rally raises pressure on Moldovan government over banking scandal Euronews 13 September 2015 attracting 20,000 people from all over Moldova.http://www.cotidianul.ro/un-nou-protest-la-chisinau-268017/ Un nou miting de amploare la Chișinău Cotidianul Duțu Constantin 13 September 2015 Romanianhttp://www.romaniatv.net/proteste-de-amploare-la-chisinau-zeci-de-mii-de-oameni-cer-demisia-presedintelui-si-a-guvernului_244376.html Proteste de amploare la Chişinău. Zeci de mii de oameni cer demisia preşedintelui şi a guvernului România TV 13 September 2015 Romanian Clashes between supporters of the Dignity and Justice civic platform and a group advocating Moldova's unification with Romania broke out soon after the rally began.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34237078 Moldova: Huge anti-corruption protest in Chisinau BBC News 13 September 2015 The city centre has been cordoned off and many law enforcers were deployed on the streets. A resolution was adopted at the end of the demonstration, in which protesters call for a general strike and formation of a political movement and a so-called government of popular trust.http://www.gandul.info/international/republica-moldova-ar-putea-fi-paralizata-de-o-greva-generala-14711248 Republica Moldova ar putea fi paralizată de o grevă generală Gândul 14 September 2015 Romanian On 29 November, another protest organized by DA Platform took place in the Grand National Assembly Square. Demonstrators and supporters of the platform have expressed dissatisfaction with the political and economic situation in the country and called for early elections.http://www.timpul.md/articol/%28live%29-protest-in-pman--protestatarii-cer-demisia-guvernarii--piaa-este-inconjurata-de-poliie--canta-piese-de-a-soilor-aldea-teodorovici-83728.html PROTEST în PMAN. Protestatarii cer demisia guvernării. Piața este înconjurată de poliție. Cântă piese de-a soților Aldea Teodorovici Timpul.md 29 November 2015 To ensure security, hundreds of police formed two cordons in front of the Government. During the protest, DA Platform representatives said they will create a political party.http://www.publika.md/un-nou-protest-organizat-de-platforma-da-manifestantii-cer-demisia-guvernarii-foto_2461011.html UN NOU PROTEST organizat de Platforma DA. Manifestanţii cer demisia guvernării Publika.md 29 November 2015 29 November 2015 14 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195417/https://www.publika.md/un-nou-protest-organizat-de-platforma-da-manifestantii-cer-demisia-guvernarii-foto_2461011.html dead Protests also took place in Bălți, Orhei, Cahul, Hîncești, Ungheni and Soroca. Founding members of the Civic Platform Dignity and Truth 160 170 center File:Andrei Năstase (2015-09-08).png Andrei Năstase File:Vasile Năstase (2015-09-11).png Vasile Năstase File:Valentin Dolganiuc (2015-09-04).png Valentin Dolganiuc Political crisis thumb|left|200px|Protests in the wake of 2016 political crisis On 13 January 2016, 56 deputies of the parliamentary coalition formed around PD proposed controversial businessman Vlad Plahotniuc for the position of prime minister. The proposal was immediately rejected by President Nicolae Timofti, invoking integrity reasons.http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Extern/Europa/O+noua+zi+tensionata+la+Chisinau Chișinău. Președintele Nicolae Timofti a desemnat un nou premier Digi24 14 January 2016 Timofti asked coalition representatives to propose another name until 14 January at 12 a.m.http://www.capital.ro/dw-moldova-in-pragul-revolutiei-totul-depinde-de-o-decizie-a-presedintelui.html DW: Moldova, în pragul revoluției! Totul depinde de o decizie a președintelui Capital 14 January 2016 In the evening of 13 January, the coalition announced that will propose again Plahotniuc, thus escalating the constitutional conflict.http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/international/zi-decisiva-in-moldova-vlad-plahotniuc-e-propus-a-doua-oara-premier-desi-presedintele-timofti-a-refuzat-numirea-lui.html Criza in R. Moldova. Ion Paduraru, desemnat pentru functia de premier. De ce a respins presedintele varianta Plahotniuc Stirile Pro TV 14 January 2015 The same day, two rallies took place in Chișinău, one that supports Vlad Plahotniuc for the position of prime minister and another that opposes the nomination. Next day, protests continued, with tens of thousands of people demonstrating in central Chișinău against Plahotniuc.https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/moldova-thousands-protest-proposed-pm-candidate-36281945 Moldova: Thousands Protest Against Proposed PM Candidate ABC News Corneliu Rusnac 14 January 2016https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-protests-plahotniuc/27488410.html Moldovan President Moves To End Political Crisis Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 14 January 2016http://tass.ru/en/world/849660 Moldova opposition protests against Plahotniuc nomination for prime minister TASS 14 January 2016 By night, Timofti nominated the Secretary General of the Presidency, Ion Păduraru, candidate for this position,http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-20726820-livetext-decisiva-moldova-oligarhul-plahotniuc-propus-doua-oara-premier-chisinaul-fierbe-trei-mitinguri-paralel.htm Thriller politic in Moldova: Presedintele Nicolae Timofti l-a sfidat pe Vlad Plahotniuc si l-a desemnat drept premier pe Ion Paduraru, seful cancelarei sale HotNews.ro 14 January 2016http://www.mediafax.ro/externe/ion-paduraru-desemnat-premier-al-republicii-moldova-14965938 Ion Păduraru, desemnat premier al Republicii Moldova Mediafax Mihai Draghici 14 January 2016 defying PD's proposal. However, Ion Păduraru announced his withdrawal from the race in less than 24 hours after the announcement of his nomination. He justified his gesture by the fact that the parliamentary majority has already nominated another proposal of premier, and President Timofti will consider it as a compromise solution. On 16 January, the parliamentary coalition grouped around the Democratic Party of Vlad Plahotniuc announced that disagrees with the proposal of President Timofti and came up with a new proposal for premier, instead of Plahotniuc – Pavel Filip. Later that day, up to 20,000 people joined three different rallies that were organized by both the left Socialist Party of Moldova and the centre-right Civic Platform DA.May 2021 The protesters called on the Moldovan president and chief prosecutor to resign, demanding early elections and prompt measures against corruption. They also opposed the nomination of Pavel Filip to the post of Prime Minister. On 20 January, a majority of 57 MPs voted in favor of PD-backed Pavel Filip Government. During the parliamentary meeting, the Parliament building was surrounded by about 1,000 protesters that demanded the interruption of the vote.http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/international/parlamentul-din-r-moldova-voteaza-astazi-echipa-guvernamentala-a-premierului-desemnat-pavel-filip-lista-ministrilor.html Proteste violente la Chisinau. Multimea a luat cu asalt Parlamentul, alesii au fost evacuati printr-o iesire secreta Stirile Pro TV 20 January 2016 They broke a side door of the Parliament and entered the building,http://www.ziare.com/europa/moldova/proteste-la-chisinau-live-1405143 Haos la Chisinau – Guvern investit in secret, la miez de noapte Ziare.com Diana Robu, Ana Ilie 20 January 2016 forcing the cordon of gendarmes. Many gendarmes offered no resistance, being dragged out of the device and giving up shields and batons.http://adevarul.ro/moldova/actualitate/live-vot-nou-guvern-chisinau-protestatarii-ameninta-intra-parlament-1_569f80bd37115986c6b6db64/index.html Preşedintele Timofti a amânat ceremonia de depunere a jurământului pentru Guvernul Filip după ce protestatarii au luat cu asalt Parlamentul Adevărul 20 January 2016 After several hours, police intervened in force, removing the protesters from the Parliament and cordoning the building off. 15 people, six protesters and nine gendarmes,http://unimedia.info/stiri/In-urma-protestelor-de-ieri-seara-15-persoane-au-ajuns-la-spitalul-de-urgenta-108100.html În urma protestelor de ieri seara 15 persoane au ajuns la Spitalul de Urgență Unimedia 21 January 2016 suffered contusions after confrontations at Parliament. One of them was President of the Liberal Party, Mihai Ghimpu, who had his head broken, being hit by protesters while leaving the Parliament.http://www.gandul.info/international/criza-la-chisinau-proteste-violente-dupa-votul-in-favoarea-guvernului-pavel-filip-manifestantii-au-intrat-cu-forta-in-parlament-live-video-14973448 CRIZĂ LA CHIŞINĂU. Proteste violente după votul în favoarea Guvernului Pavel Filip. Manifestanţii au intrat cu forţa în Parlament Gândul Andrei Luca Popescu 20 January 2016 Renewed protests Thousands of people calling for Moldova's reunification with Romania took to the streets of Chișinău on 27 March in a so-called "march of reunion". The rally organizers say some 50,000 people took part in the protestshttp://www.gandul.info/stiri/mars-de-amploare-in-chisinau-pentru-unirea-cu-romania-15158121 Marş de amploare în Chişinău, pentru unirea cu România Gândul Roxana Măciucă 27 March 2016 while police put the number at 5,000–6,000 people.https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-rally-romania-unification/27638163.html Thousands In Moldova Rally For Unification With Romania Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 27 March 2016 The rally was meant to mark the 98th anniversary since Bessarabia was unified with the Kingdom of Romania on 27 March 1918. A bomb alert was triggered at Nicolae Sulac National Palace, during the formation of platform Sfatul Țării 2, that brings together the unionist organizations in Moldova fighting for the unification with Romania. Sappers and firefighters were deployed on the spot, but found that the alarm was false.http://www.mediafax.ro/externe/alerta-cu-bomba-la-chisinau-in-timpul-constituirii-platformei-care-reuneste-organizatiile-unioniste-15157841 Alertă cu bombă la Chişinău în timpul constituirii platformei care reuneşte organizaţiile unioniste Mediafax Roxana Măciucă 27 March 2016 Representatives of Voievod Movement held a counter manifestation. They were surrounded by law enforcers in order to avoid the degeneration of the situation.http://unimedia.info/stiri/video-contramanifestatie-si-altercatii-la-marsul-unionistilor-din-centrul-capitalei-112015.html Contramanifestație și altercații la Marșul unioniștilor din centrul capitalei Unimedia 27 March 2016 2017 On 11 June 2017 a new protest took place at Chișinău: around 4.000 citizens took part at a protest against adopting a law of mixed voting system, promoted by the Democratic Party of Moldova, seen by the Venice Commission and European rights experts as inappropriate for Moldova.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-moldova-election-protests/in-moldova-thousands-protest-over-proposed-voting-changes-idUSKBN1920UV In Moldova, thousands protest over proposed voting changes 11 June 2017 Reutershttp://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/international/proteste-in-r-moldova-24-000-de-oameni-au-iesit-in-strada-pentru-a-se-opune-unui-proiect-de-reforma-a-sistemului-electoral.html Proteste in R. Moldova. 24.000 de oameni au iesit in strada pentru a se opune unui proiect de reforma a sistemului electoral Romanianhttp://www.timpul.md/articol/live-protest-la-chiinau-impotriva-schimbarii-sistemului-electoral-110727.html LIVE: Protest la Chișinău împotriva schimbării sistemului electoral Romanianhttp://agora.md/gallery/163 11.06.2017 Protestul societății civile din fața Parlamentului AGORA Romanianhttp://www.gds.ro/Actualitate/2017-06-11/manifestatie-de-protest-la-chisinau-impotriva-modificarii-sistemului-electoral/ Manifestație de protest la Chișinău împotriva modificării sistemului electoral Romanianhttp://www.moldova.org/en/reuters-venice-commission-finds-moldovas-electoral-system-change-inappropriate/ Reuters: Venice Commission finds Moldova's electoral system change "inappropriate" - Moldova.org Cristi Vlas 6 June 2017 17 September 2017 On 17 September 2017 a new protest took place: the protesters have manifested again against the mixed voting system.http://jurnal.md/ro/politic/2017/9/17/consiliul-marii-adunari-nationale-organizeaza-un-nou-protest-de-amploare-la-chisinau/ Consiliul Marii Adunări Naţionale organizează un nou PROTEST de amploare la Chişinău Romanian 17 September 2017https://www.timpul.md/articol/aciune-de-protest-pentru-a-cere-anularea-modificarii-actualului-sistem-electoral-119430.html Un protest împotriva modificării sistemului electoral a avut loc în capitală Romanian 17 September 2017http://tribuna.md/2017/09/17/protest-in-fata-parlamentului-sa-maturam-aceasta-guvernare/ Protest în fața Parlamentului: Să măturam această guvernare 17 September 2017http://www.moldova.org/protest-in-fata-parlamentului-impotriva-modificarii-sistemului-electoral-video/ Protest în faţa Parlamentului împotriva modificării sistemului electoral// VIDEO — Moldova.org Diana Preașcă 17 September 2017 Romanian 17 September 2017http://romanialibera.ro/actualitate/international/chisinau---protest-contra-modificarii-sistemului-electoral-469272 Chişinău – protest contra modificării sistemului electoral – Romania Libera RomaniaLibera.ro 17 September 2017 Romanian In 2018, a popular movement rocked the country. Police clashed with demonstrators staging sit-ins and Rallies from June-August demanded the resignation of Igor Dodon and an end to corruption. Aftermath thumb|200px|Former PM and leader of PLDM, Vlad Filat, was arrested on 15 October for involvement in the 2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal. Former prime minister Vlad Filat, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova, was detained in parliament on 15 October over the theft of $1 billion from the banking system.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-moldova-protests-filat-idUSKCN0S91BY20151015 Moldova detains former PM in parliament over $1 billion fraud Reuters Tanas Alexander 15 October 2015https://www.voanews.com/a/moldova-former-prime-minister-filat-arrested-bank-fraud/3009275.html Moldova's Ex-PM Arrested for Alleged Bank Fraud VOA News 15 October 2015 21 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160206055815/http://www.voanews.com/content/moldova-former-prime-minister-filat-arrested-bank-fraud/3009275.html 6 February 2016 live Masked officers entered the Moldovan parliament to handcuff and arrest Filat, while anti-government protesters had blocked the exits to the building for most of the day to prevent him leaving. Moments earlier, the lawmakers voted to strip Filat of his parliamentary immunity.https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-ex-pm-immunity-lifted-fraud-probe/27308192.html Moldova's Ex-PM Detained After Parliament Lifts His Immunity Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 15 October 2015 Vlad Filat is accused of passive corruption and influence peddling. He would preted bribe €250 million from Ilan Shor to determine legislative decisions to diminish the position of the Moldovan state in the Savings Bank.http://www.gandul.info/international/fostul-premier-al-moldovei-retinut-pentru-coruptie-vlad-filat-e-acuzat-ca-ar-fi-cerut-mita-250-de-milioane-de-euro-14845516 Fostul premier al Moldovei, reţinut pentru corupţie. Vlad Filat e acuzat că ar fi cerut mită 250 de milioane de euro Gândul Bojan Ioana 15 October 2015 Romanian Ilan Shor, Mayor of Orhei, is also accused in the "Robbery of the century" corruption case, that is, the 2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal. On 16 October, the National Bank of Moldova has withdrawn the licenses of financial activity for Savings Bank, Social Bank and Unibank. Thus has begun the process of liquidation thereof.http://www.publika.md/ultima-suflare-bnm-retrage-licentele-bancii-de-economii-bancii-sociale-si-ale-unibank_2425451.html Ultima suflare! BNM retrage licenţele Băncii de Economii, Băncii Sociale şi ale Unibank Publika.md 16 October 2015 Romanian 16 October 2015 15 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180615004438/https://www.publika.md/ultima-suflare-bnm-retrage-licentele-bancii-de-economii-bancii-sociale-si-ale-unibank_2425451.html dead On 29 October, three months after formation, the Streleț government was dismissed through a motion of censure, voted in favour by 65 MPs.http://www.gandul.info/international/guvernul-proeuropean-al-republicii-moldova-a-fost-demis-dupa-doar-3-luni-de-activitate-printr-o-motiune-de-cenzura-a-stangii-14866636 Guvernul proeuropean al Republicii Moldova a fost demis după doar 3 luni de activitate, printr-o moţiune de cenzură a stângii Gândul Popescu Andrei Luca 29 October 2015 Romanian The government's dismissal was enacted through the votes of the Socialist, Communist, and Democratic Party deputies.http://unimedia.info/stiri/video-ultima-ora-guvernul-strelet-a-primit-vot-de-neincredere--ce-urmeaza-103487.html Ultimă oră! Guvernul Streleț a primit vot de neîncredere. Ce urmează Unimedia Zavadovschi Silvia 29 October 2015 Romanianhttp://www.timpul.md/articol/stanga-romanofoba-i-anti-europeana-a-demis-guvernul--pdm-psrm-i-pcrm-au-votat-impreuna-impotriva-guvernului-strele-81744.html Stânga românofobă și anti-europeană a demis Guvernul. PDM, PSRM și PCRM au votat ÎMPREUNĂ împotriva Guvernului Streleț Timpul.md 29 October 2015 Romanianhttp://www.publika.md/moldova-fara-executiv-parlamentul-a-votat-pentru-demiterea-guvernului-strelet_2435551.html MOLDOVA, FĂRĂ EXECUTIV! Parlamentul a votat pentru DEMITEREA GUVERNULUI STRELEŢ Publika.md 29 October 2015 Romanian 29 October 2015 14 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195306/https://www.publika.md/moldova-fara-executiv-parlamentul-a-votat-pentru-demiterea-guvernului-strelet_2435551.html dead The stated reason underlying the motion was "suspicion of the corruption of Prime Minister Valeriu Streleț". Soon after the vote, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted, saying that stability of government should be allowed to prevail and the pro-European mandate given in the results of the November 2014 elections should be executed.http://www.mae.ro/node/34393 MAE a luat notă de votul privind moțiunea de cenzură împotriva Guvernului Republicii Moldova Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 October 2015 Romanian Reactions Domestic Igor Dodon, leader of the country's largest opposition party, the influential Moscow-friendly Socialist Party, has denounced the government's silence toward what he described as "officials and representatives of right-wing extremist, nationalist and "neo-Nazi" groups from Romania who attended the 5 July gathering. After a first meeting with the leaders of the protesters, Moldovan PM Valeriu Streleț stated that his government would resign only in case of a no-confidence vote in Parliament.http://www.romaniatv.net/proteste-la-chisinau-guvernul-demisioneaza-numai-in-cazul-unui-vot-de-neincredere-dat-de-parlament_243898.html Proteste la Chişinău: Guvernul demisionează numai în cazul unui vot de neîncredere dat de Parlament omânia TV 10 September 2015 Romanian In a message published on the Presidency page, Nicolae Timofti cataloged the 6 September demonstration as a democratic exercise. As for his resignation, Timofti said he won't resign because "such a decision would bring instability to the Republic of Moldova".http://moldova24.info/2015/09/reactia-lui-timofti-in-legatura-cu-protestele-din-tara-nu-voi-demisiona/ REACȚIA lui Timofti în legătură cu protestele din țară: Nu voi demisiona Moldova24 9 September 2015 Romanian 14 September 2015 11 September 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150911085509/http://moldova24.info/2015/09/reactia-lui-timofti-in-legatura-cu-protestele-din-tara-nu-voi-demisiona/ dead According to Dorin Chirtoacă, Mayor of Chișinău, pressure from society must exist, but organizers of protests should correctly calculate their forces and actions. He also stated that eventual early elections would further destabilize the situation in Moldova.https://trm.md/ro/politic/chirtoaca-anticipatele-ar-destabiliza-situatia-din-republica-moldova/ Chirtoacă: Anticipatele ar destabiliza situaţia din Republica Moldova TeleRadio Moldova 14 September 2015 Romanian A similar position was adopted by Moldova's parliament speaker, Andrian Candu, saying such a move would leave the country stuck in economic crisis.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34242511 Early Moldova elections 'would be catastrophic' BBC News 14 September 2015 During the September protests, Dorin Chirtoacă has called for the tents to be removed from the central boulevard and claimed that not only is the protest illegal, but that it is being fomented by Moscow.http://www.unian.info/world/1150999-chisinaus-mayor-accuses-russian-security-officials-of-orchestrating-protests-in-moldova.html Chisinau's Mayor accuses Russian security officials of orchestrating protests in Moldova UNIAN 13 October 2015 He has claimed that Renato Usatîi and Igor Dodon are puppets of Vladimir Putin. International Official reactions Supranational organisations In response to the 2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal, the EU, International Monetary Fund and World Bank have frozen their financial assistance to Moldova.Moldova anger grows over banking scandal, BBC News (14 September 2015) United Nations UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al-Hussein, has called on authorities in Moldova to address the demands of protesters,http://www.gandul.info/international/onu-solicita-autoritatilor-din-republica-moldova-sa-raspunda-protestatarilor-14712119 ONU solicită autorităţilor din Republica Moldova să răspundă protestatarilor Gândul Măciucă Roxana 14 September 2015 Romanian warning that a failure to do so "could lead to greater polarization of society".https://www.rferl.org/a/un-rights-chief-moldova-/27246521.html UN Rights Chief Urges Moldova To Address Protesters' Demands Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 14 September 2015 States Romania Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta expressed his concern about the situation in Moldova, that, in his opinion, is "worse than last year", but says that he supports his counterpart in Chișinău and Moldova's European course.http://www.ziare.com/victor-ponta/premier/ponta-ingrijorat-de-protestele-din-moldova-sa-nu-ne-trezim-cu-primari-prorusi-la-chisinau-si-balti-1361448 Ponta, ingrijorat de protestele din Moldova: Sa nu ne trezim cu primari prorusi la Chisinau si Balti Ziare.com 4 May 2015 Romanian Ponta is a vocal supporter of Romania's reunification. In September 2014, he gave a speech at Alba Iulia, stating that "my commitment is to jointly make a second Great Union of Romania".http://www.gandul.info/stiri/reactia-rusiei-dupa-afirmatiile-lui-victor-ponta-privind-unirea-cu-republica-moldova-13279877 Reacţia Rusiei după afirmaţiile lui Victor Ponta privind unirea cu Republica Moldova Gândul Drăghici Mihai 16 September 2014 Romanian During a meeting of the Presidents of Romania and Moldova in Suceava,https://news.yahoo.com/moldovan-romanian-presidents-support-moldova-joining-eu-131016170.html Moldovan, Romanian presidents support Moldova joining EU Yahoo! News 7 July 2015 Klaus Iohannis stated that "people on both sides of the Prut" will be found in one day not only in the EU, but also "in communion", adding that "we will be there for Moldovan citizens no matter how much effort we have to exert and how much will last".http://www.gandul.info/politica/iohannis-oamenii-de-pe-cele-doua-maluri-ale-prutului-se-vor-regasi-intr-o-buna-zi-nu-doar-in-uniune-ci-si-in-comuniune-14556918 Iohannis: Oamenii de pe cele două maluri ale Prutului se vor regăsi într-o bună zi nu doar în Uniune, ci şi în comuniune Gândul Andrei Cristian 7 July 2015 Romanian On 26 January 2016, the Government of Romania offered a €60 million loan to help stave off economic collapse. To get the money, Prime Minister Dacian Cioloș said Moldova will have to reform its justice system, fight corruption, sign a draft agreement for a loan from the International Monetary Fund and appoint a new central bank governor.http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_ROMANIA_MOLDOVA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Romania offers Moldova $65 million loan to spur reforms AP Alison Mutler 26 January 2016 26 January 2016 6 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160206053722/http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_ROMANIA_MOLDOVA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT dead United States According to the United States Embassy in Chișinău, protests highlight the frustration experienced by many Moldovans due to lack of reforms in their country.http://unimedia.info/stiri/Reacia-Ambasadei-Statelor-Unite-la-Chiinau-privind-protestele-din-PMAN-100736.html Reacția Ambasadei Statelor Unite la Chișinău privind protestele din PMAN Unimedia 10 September 2015 Romanian American diplomats support the right of citizens to protest peacefully, urging Moldova's Government to quickly implement the necessary reforms, such as expanding anti-corruption efforts. Others United States According to Stratfor, protests could threaten the stability of Moldova's fragile government. Consequently, the possible weakening or collapse of the Moldovan government "could slow Moldova's European integration". https://www.stratfor.com/analysis/protests-threaten-moldovas-fragile-government Protests Threaten Moldova's Fragile Government 15 May 2015 Stratfor A similar analysis from Stratfor shows that "the recent rallies and the positive reaction from top Romanian officials are signs of increasing Romanian influence in Moldova".https://www.stratfor.com/analysis/moldovas-instability-could-be-romanias-opportunity Moldova's Instability Could Be Romania's Opportunity Stratfor 17 July 2015 Georgia/Ukraine Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, now Governor of Ukrainian Odesa Oblast, considers that protests taking place in Chișinău are "an anti-oligarchic movement which answers Ukraine's aspirations".http://independent.md/saakasvili-despre-protestele-de-la-chisinau-oamenii-au-obosit-de-coruptie-si-clanuri-oligarhice/#.VfZYQX2LWA5 Saakașvili, despre protestele de la Chișinău: "Oamenii au obosit de corupție și clanuri oligarhice" Independent.md 7 September 2015 Romanian 14 September 2015 22 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222091616/http://independent.md/saakasvili-despre-protestele-de-la-chisinau-oamenii-au-obosit-de-coruptie-si-clanuri-oligarhice/#.VfZYQX2LWA5 dead "It is known that, in recent years, Moldovan oligarchs began to control everything. They control all state bodies, most of the Parliament and almost entirely the premier. When former prime minister [Chiril Gaburici] tried to change something, was immediately put on the table a file with compromising materials. This is a typical oligarchic style", concluded Saakashvili.http://www.cotidianul.ro/saakasvili-isi-da-cu-parerea-despre-protestele-de-la-chisinau-267687/ Saakaşvili îşi dă cu părerea despre protestele de la Chişinău Cotidianul 7 September 2015 Romanian Likewise, Saakashvili deems "the people come out on street to protest against oligarchs, but not in the favor of Russia. I think that the whole population of the Republic of Moldova is for Europe, and among youth it is an absolute majority". Russia In an article published by the news agency RIA Novosti, President of the Center for Systematic Analysis and Forecasting in Moscow, Rostislav Ishchenko, says that events in the Republic of Moldova remind of the "orange" scenario. According to the author, all "colored" coups were organized and guided by the United States, and the embassies were coordination centres for protesters, scenario also "applied" in Moldova.http://independent.md/presa-rusa-protestele-de-la-chisinau-sunt-dirijate-de-sua/#.VfZbkn2LWA4 Presa rusă: Protestele de la Chișinău sunt dirijate de SUA Independent.md 12 September 2015 Romanian Moreover, Russian analyst writes that "rumors that make connections between protesters and EU, particularly Germany, country from where would be financed the DJ Platform, are identical to those linking the protests in Kyiv and financiers in Germany".http://ria.ru/analytics/20150910/1241698462.html#ixzz3lQNd37Md Ситуация в Молдове и выбор США RIA Novosti 10 September 2015 Russian See also Moldova Society April 2009 Moldovan parliamentary election protests 2013 Pro Europe demonstration in Moldova 2023 European Moldova National Assembly 2002 Moldovan protests References External links 2015 Moldovan protests Category:2015 in Moldova Category:2015 protests Category:2016 in Moldova Category:2016 protests Category:History of Chișinău Category:Moldova–European Union relations Category:Pro-Europeanism in Moldova Category:Protests in Moldova Category:Labor disputes in Moldova