2015–2016 protests in Moldova

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.

2015–2016 protests in Moldova
Demonstration in Chișinău, 5 April
Date27 March 2015 – 13 November 2016
(1 year, 7 months, 2 weeks and 3 days)
Location
Mainly Chișinău
Diaspora: Bucharest, Paris, Vicenza, etc.
Caused by
Goals
MethodsDemonstration, protest march, sit-in, roadblock,[2] picketing,[3] flash mob
Resulted in
Parties to the civil conflict
National Unity Bloc
Civic Platform Dignity and Truth
Anti-communist and anti-Russian protesters
Pro-Romanian activists
Anti-government demonstrators
Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova
Our Party (Moldova)
The Party of "Our Home – Moldova"
Pro-Russian politicians and other russophiles
Lead figures
Leaders of DA Platform:

Unionists and pro-Romanian activists: George Simion, Vitalia Pavlicenco, Anatol Petrencu,[6] Valeriu Saharneanu, Val Butnaru, Mihai Cimpoi, Ion Negrei, Petru Bogatu, Alexandru Bantoș Others:

 Chiril Gaburici (PM)
Valeriu Streleț (PM)
Pavel Filip (PM)
Nicolae Timofti (P)
Igor Dodon (P)		Vladimir Voronin
Vladimir Plahotniuc
Igor Dodon
Renato Usatîi
Number
At peak: 100,000 (September 2015)[8][9]
30,000 (7 July 2015)
20,000 (27 September 2015)[10]
Casualties and losses
7 injured
15 injured

The protests have been organised by a grass-roots citizens' movement, Dignity and Truth (Romanian: Demnitate și Adevăr), that was established in February 2015 as a response to the disappearance of $1 billion from the Moldovan banks in 2014.[11] Dignity and Truth is led by lawyers, journalists and other well-known figures in Moldova.[11]

Background
See also: Unification of Romania and Moldova and Moldovan bank fraud scandal

In Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries,[12] nearly 17% of the population live below the poverty line.[13] Moreover, with an average wage of about $129 per month, Moldova reportedly has the lowest standard of living in Europe.[14]

In 2014, $1 billion vanished from three of Moldova's leading banks.[15] In two days loans worth $1 billion were transferred in to United Kingdom and Hong Kong-registered companies whose ultimate owners are unknown.[15][16] Banks are administered by the National Bank of Moldova, so this loss was covered from state reserves.[15] This protected depositors but created a hole in Moldovan public finances equivalent to an eighth of the country's GDP.[15] Protesters claim this damaged their living standards.[17]

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 (Romanian: Dreptate și Adevăr) was established in February 2015.[11] This organization is led by lawyers, journalists and other well-known figures in Moldova.[11]

Unification with Romania is seen as a solution to Moldova's economic, political and social crisis, but also in the context of the tensions in neighbouring Ukraine.[18] Polls up to May 2015 showed 10 to 20 percent of Moldovans supported unification.[19]

Name

The protests are dubbed in the international press as the Moldovan Maidan (due to similar circumstances with Ukrainian Euromaidan)[20][21] and Anti-oligarchic movement.[22][23] In Moldova, media outlets cataloged the events as a Red Revolution, due to involvement of communist and socialist parties in the protests.[24]

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.[25]

For those in the pro-Russian camp, the corruption cases have provoked a crisis of confidence in the European project.[25] 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.[26]

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.[27] 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.[28] 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.[29][30] 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.[31]

5 April demonstration
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.[32] Demonstrators chanted slogans against the government led by Chiril Gaburici and demanded the unification of Romania and Moldova.[33] 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
External media
Images
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
Video
Popular protest against thieves in government on YouTube
"Union will take place over the next two years. Are you ready?" on YouTube
Meeting of 7 June on YouTube
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)[34][35] from the state-owned Savings Bank and the private banks Unibank, Banca de Economii and Banca Socială, in November 2014 before parliamentary elections.[36] 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.[37] 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.[38]

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.[39] 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.[19] He was expelled for five years on 14 May on grounds that his activities could endanger national security.[19] Despite this, more than 25,000 people gathered in Grand National Assembly Square[40] in the largest pro-Romanian manifestation in Chișinău in recent years.[41] Most of the protesters were young people and intellectuals.[42] They demanded the unification of Romania and Moldova and displayed placards with unionist and anti-Russian messages. Demonstrators were joined, among others, by Mayor of Chișinău Dorin Chirtoacă.[43] 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 (Romanian: Blocul Unității Naționale), adjoining 22 non-governmental entities, including: Civic Movement Youth of Moldova, Unionist Platform 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.[44] The march ended with the signing of a Pact of Union, Pact for Europe.[45]

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.[46]

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.[47]

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.[48]

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.[49] 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.[49]

March of Stephen the Great
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 Romania and Moldova. Participants chanted unionist slogans and voted symbolically for a union. Organized by Unionist Platform "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).[50] 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 (Romanian: 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.[51] Participants crossed the Prut River, on 11 July, at 10 a.m., in a large-scale reenactment of the Bridges of Flowers in 1990.[52] 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.[53] 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".[54]

Autumn protests
Tens of thousands demonstrating in central Chișinău on 6 September
Tents installed in the town of "Dignity and Freedom", as protesters dubbed their encampment in front of PM office.[55]
Demonstrators marching with anti-oligarchic banners on Alexander Pushkin Street

Tens of thousands of people[56][57] manifested in Chișinău at the call of the Justice and Truth Platform.[58] According to police, between 35,000 and 40,000 people attended the demonstration, while organizers estimated around 100,000 participants.[59] The protest was the biggest since Moldova's independence movement in the early 1990s,[60] bigger even than the mass anti-communist protests of April 2009.[61] 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.

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,[8] where activists attempted to set up an occupy-style tent encampment.[9] 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.[62] Police detained seven activists,[63] including Antifa movement leader, Grigory Petrenko.[64] A team from a local television station in Moldova was accosted by demonstrators.[65] 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".[66] Police removed tents in front of the prosecutor's office.[67] However, more than 90 tents were set up by protesters in Grand National Assembly Square, vowing to continue their protest until demands are met.[68][69]

Three Russian journalists from the pro-Kremlin television LifeNews were detained at Chișinău International Airport. They were forbidden to enter the Republic of Moldova.[70] 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.[71] 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.[58] 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.[58] Amid the protests against the oligarchic regime, Vladimir Plahotniuc fled Moldova the same day for Geneva.[72]

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.[73] 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,[74] attracting 20,000 people from all over Moldova.[75][76] 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.[77] 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.[78]

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.[79] 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.[80] Protests also took place in Bălți, Orhei, Cahul, Hîncești, Ungheni and Soroca.[79]

Founding members of the Civic Platform Dignity and Truth
  • Andrei Năstase
  • Vasile Năstase
  • Valentin Dolganiuc

Political crisis
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.[81] Timofti asked coalition representatives to propose another name until 14 January at 12 a.m.[82] In the evening of 13 January, the coalition announced that will propose again Plahotniuc, thus escalating the constitutional conflict.[83] 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.[84][85][86] By night, Timofti nominated the Secretary General of the Presidency, Ion Păduraru, candidate for this position,[87][88] 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.[89] 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.[90] They broke a side door of the Parliament and entered the building,[91][92] forcing the cordon of gendarmes. Many gendarmes offered no resistance, being dragged out of the device and giving up shields and batons.[93] 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,[94] 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.[95]

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 protests[96] while police put the number at 5,000–6,000 people.[97] 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.[98] Representatives of Voievod Movement held a counter manifestation. They were surrounded by law enforcers in order to avoid the degeneration of the situation.[99]

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.[100] On 17 September 2017 a new protest took place: the protesters have manifested again against the mixed voting system.[101] 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
Former PM and leader of PLDM, Vlad Filat, was arrested on 15 October for involvement in the $1 billion bank fraud.

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.[102][103] 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.[104] 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.[105] Ilan Shor, Mayor of Orhei, is also accused in the "Robbery of the century" corruption case, as the media named the $1 billion bank fraud.[105]

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.[106]

On 29 October, three months after formation, the Streleț government was dismissed through a motion of censure, voted in favour by 65 MPs.[107] The government's dismissal was enacted through the votes of the Socialist, Communist, and Democratic Party deputies.[108][109][110] 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.[111]

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.[54]

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.[112] 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".[113]

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.[114] A similar position was adopted by Moldova's parliament speaker, Andrian Candu, saying such a move would leave the country stuck in economic crisis.[115] 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.[116] He has claimed that Renato Usatîi and Igor Dodon are puppets of Vladimir Putin.

Supranational organisations
States
  • 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.[119] 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".[120] During a meeting of the Presidents of Romania and Moldova in Suceava,[121] 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".[122]
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.[123]
  • According to the United States Embassy in Chișinău, protests highlight the frustration experienced by many Moldovans due to lack of reforms in their country.[124] 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
  • 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".[125] 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".[126]
  • / Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, now Governor of Ukrainian Odessa Oblast, considers that protests taking place in Chișinău are "an anti-oligarchic movement which answers Ukraine's aspirations".[127] "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.[128] 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".[22]
  • 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.[129] 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 Kiev and financiers in Germany".[130]

See also

References
  1. Modiga, Iulia (3 May 2015). "Protestatarii de la Chişinău cer demisia guvernului şi a parlamentului". InfoPrut (in Romanian).
  2. Nica, Virginia (12 October 2015). "Protestatarii din scuarul Parlamentului au blocat Bulevardul Ştefan cel Mare. Dodon arată cu degetul spre Usatîi". Adevărul (in Romanian).
  3. "Protesters in Moldova begin picketing state institutions". TASS. 14 September 2015.
  4. "Moldovan Prime Minister Gaburici resigns". Deutsche Welle. 12 June 2015.
  5. Corneliu Rusnac (29 October 2015). "Moldovan Parliament dismisses govt, bringing instability". Yahoo! News.
  6. Matei, Tudor (5 July 2015). "Marea Adunare Naţională de la Chişinău. Mii de persoane au strigat "Unire"!". Active News (in Romanian). Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  7. Păduraru, Pavel (11 September 2015). "Ce zice Tiraspolul, UTAG și intelectualitatea despre protestul din PMAN". Timpul.md (in Romanian).
  8. "'Today everything changes': Huge protest in Moldova demands new government, president, constitution". RT. 6 September 2015.
  9. Alec Luhn (6 September 2015). "Moldova protesters take to streets criticising 'mafia' government". The Guardian.
  10. Vidu, Valentin (27 September 2015). "Aproximativ 20.000 de persoane protestează faţă de guvernul proeuropean de la Chişinău". Mediafax (in Romanian).
  11. Moldova anger grows over banking scandal, BBC News (14 September 2015)
  12. "Moldova: One of Europe's poorest lands". EUbusiness. 30 November 2014.
  13. "Human Development Report 2014" (PDF). UNDP.
  14. Lansford, Thomas, ed. (15 April 2014). Political Handbook of the World 2014. CQ Press. p. 945. ISBN 978-1-4833-3328-1.
  15. The great Moldovan bank robbery, BBC News (18 June 2015)
  16. The billion-dollar ex-council flat, BBC News (7 October 2015)
  17. Thousands join Moldova anti-government protest, BBC News (13 September 2015)
  18. Mallinder, Lorraine (10 June 2015). "Moldova stuck in limbo between its east and west". The Irish Times.
  19. Thousands Rally In Moldova For Unification With Romania, Radio Free Europe (15 May 2015)
  20. "Anti-corruption protests in Chişinău: A Moldovan Maidan?". VoxEurop.eu. 5 May 2015.
  21. Călugăreanu, Vitalie (7 September 2015). ""Maidan" pașnic la Chișinău: demonstrație de amploare împotriva guvernanților". Deutsche Welle (in Romanian).
  22. "Saakashvili: "Protests from Chişinău – an anti-oligarchic movement; Moldovans are sick of clans and corruption"". Jurnal.md. 7 September 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  23. Socor, Vladimir (9 September 2015). "Toppling Moldova's Government: Popular Movement or Political Operation?". Eurasia Daily Monitor. The Jamestown Foundation. 12 (161). Archived from the original on 17 February 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  24. "Revoluția roșie. După ce au blocat centrul capitalei, Dodon și Usatîi vor să paralizeze drumurile naționale". Unimedia (in Romanian). 3 October 2015.
  25. "Moldova's Maidan: Echoes of Ukraine crisis amid anti-corruption protest movement". International Business Times. 8 October 2015.
  26. Enache, Iuliana (21 May 2015). "UE pare să piardă lupta cu Rusia pentru Republica Moldova". Mediafax (in Romanian).
  27. "Fermierii amenință cu blocarea tuturor intrărilor în Chișinău". Agora (in Romanian). 27 April 2015.
  28. "Mii de fermieri din Republica Moldova au protestat cu utilajele pe drumurile naţionale". Ştirile TVR (in Romanian). 27 March 2015.
  29. Basiul, Valentina (27 March 2015). "Mii de fermieri au protestat în R. Moldova, cerând subvenții mai mari pentru agricultură". Radio Europa Liberă (in Romanian).
  30. "Ministerul Agriculturii NU cedeaza: Chiar daca fermierii ameninta cu proteste, nimic NU mai poate fi schimbat: "Asa a decis Guvernul"". Stirile Pro TV (in Romanian). 10 April 2015.
  31. "Mai multe trasee naționale, BLOCATE. Fermierii protestează pentru a-şi revendica drepturile". Agora (in Romanian). 15 April 2015.
  32. "Proteste de amploare la Chişinău; Mii de oameni au scandat: "Hoţii de la guvernare, la puşcărie!"". Jurnal.md (in Romanian). 5 April 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  33. "Mii de persoane au protestat la Chişinău, la şase ani de la violenţele din aprilie 2009". Digi24 (in Romanian). 5 April 2015.
  34. Peleschuk, Dan (5 May 2015). "Someone stole $1B from Moldova — an eighth of its GDP". USA Today.
  35. O'Connor, Roisin (7 May 2015). "Moldova's missing $1bn sparks protests against country's government". The Independent.
  36. Baker, Mark (23 April 2015). "Moldova's Missing Millions: Massive Bank Scandal Roils Chisinau". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
  37. Tanas, Alexander (5 May 2015). "Moldova seeks to solve riddle of missing $1 billion". Reuters.
  38. Calugareanu, Vitalie; Schwartz, Robert (4 May 2015). "Spring again in the Republic of Moldova – mass protest against corruption". Deutsche Welle.
  39. Dolana, Andra (14 May 2015). "Protest faţă de expulzarea lui George Simion din R. Moldova". România Liberă (in Romanian).
  40. "Thousands Rally In Moldova For Unification With Romania". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 16 May 2015.
    "Peste 25.000 de oameni au protestat ÎN CENTRUL CHIȘINĂULUI. MOLDOVENII au cerut unirea cu ROMÂNIA". Libertatea (in Romanian). 16 May 2015.
  41. "Cel mai mare PROTEST pro-românesc la Chișinău din istoria recentă. O MARE ADUNARE NAȚIONALĂ anunțată pentru 5 iulie". Timpul.md (in Romanian). 16 May 2015.
  42. Robu, Diana (16 May 2015). ""Rusia, nu uita, Basarabia nu-i a ta" – Zeci de mii de moldoveni au cerut Unirea. Duminica vin spre Romania". Ziare.com (in Romanian).
  43. "Peste 25.000 de oameni au participat, la Chisinau, la un miting pentru unirea cu Romania: "Armata rusa afara!"". Stirile Pro TV (in Romanian). 16 May 2015.
  44. C., P. (16 May 2015). "25.000 de oameni participa la Chisinau la un miting pentru unirea cu Romania". Revista 22 (in Romanian). Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  45. "Chişinău: Peste 20 de mii de oameni au cerut integrarea europeană a Moldovei şi unirea cu România". Ştirile TVR (in Romanian). 16 May 2015.
  46. Filimon, Alexandru (16 May 2015). "Poliţia încearcă să blocheze Marşul Unirii". Adevărul (in Romanian).
  47. Moraru, Anatol (27 August 2015). "Ponta, întâmpinat la Chișinău într-un mod inedit". Evenimentul Zilei (in Romanian).
  48. Filimon, Paul (18 September 2015). "R. Moldova: Autorităţile AU RIDICAT interdicţia impusă lui George Simion, liderul Platformei Unioniste". România Liberă (in Romanian).
  49. Tudor, Iulian (22 September 2015). "INCIDENTE la Neptun, înaintea şedinţei de Guvern România-Moldova: Unioniştii s-au îmbrâncit cu jandarmii". România TV (in Romanian).
  50. Stimpovschii, Doina; Vasiliu, Vadim (5 July 2015). "Zi istorică pentru Republica Moldova. La Chişinău, moldovenii au cerut unirea cu România. Aceştia speră să o sărbătorească în 2018". Adevărul (in Romanian).
  51. Stan, Liviu G. (5 July 2015). "Mii de tineri dintre participanţii la MAN au plecat pe jos spre București pentru unire". InfoPrut (in Romanian).
  52. "Marea Adunare Națională de la Chișinău: 30.000 de participanți". Agerpres (in Romanian). 5 July 2015.
  53. "Supporters of Moldova's union with Romania finish week-long march". Ukraine Today. 13 July 2015.
  54. "Moldova: Pondering Unification with Romania?". EurasiaNet.org. 10 July 2015.
  55. "Manifestatia anticoruptie continua la Chisinau. 30 de corturi au fost instalate in oraselul "Demnitatii si Libertatii"". Stirile Pro TV (in Romanian). 7 September 2015.
  56. "Moldovans protest over banking scandal in a rare show of defiance". Euronews. 6 September 2015.
  57. "Moldovans Demand Investigation Into Missing Money". The Wall Street Journal. 6 September 2015.
  58. Vidu, Valentin (6 September 2015). "Zeci de mii de persoane cer la Chişinău demisia preşedintelui Timofti". Gândul (in Romanian).
  59. "A început Marea Adunare Naţională; Mii de oameni protestează în centrul Chişinăului faţă de regimul oligarhic". Jurnal.md (in Romanian). 6 September 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  60. ""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 (in Romanian). 6 September 2015.
  61. Tanas, Alexander (6 September 2015). "Tens of thousands rally in Moldova against $1 billion bank fraud".
  62. Dolana, Andra (6 September 2015). "Chișinău: Confruntări violente între manifestanți și polițiști. Mai multe persoane, RĂNITE". România Liberă (in Romanian).
  63. Tudor, Iulian (6 September 2015). "Zeci de mii de oameni cer la Chişinău demisia preşedintelui Timofti, acuzat că serveşte interesele oligarhilor". România TV (in Romanian).
  64. "Free Grigory Petrenko and anti-oligarchy prisoners in Moldova!". International Action Center. 9 September 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  65. Stan, Filip (6 September 2015). "VIOLENŢE şi HAOS la Chişinău. Mii de oameni în stradă, forţele de ordine au intervenit". România TV (in Romanian).
  66. "Dupa altercatiile din fata Procuraturii Generale, politia a deschis 7 cauze penale pentru violenta asupra politistilor". Stirile Pro TV (in Romanian). 7 September 2015.
  67. "Maidan la Chişinău: Confruntări soldate cu răniţi şi arestaţi după ce unii manifestanţi au încercat să părtrundă în clădiri publice". Adevărul (in Romanian). 6 September 2015.
  68. "Protestul din 6 septembrie continuă; Peste 90 de corturi, instalate în orăşelul "Demnităţii şi Libertăţii"". Jurnal.md (in Romanian). 7 September 2015. Archived from the original on 7 May 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  69. "Moldovan Protest Leaders Set Up Tent City, Vow To Stay Until Demands Met". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 7 September 2015.
  70. "Protest la foc continuu în centrul Chişinăului". Adevărul (in Romanian). 7 September 2015.
  71. "Reacţia Moscovei în cazul jurnaliştilor ruşi reţinuţi în Moldova". Timpul.md (in Romanian). 8 September 2015.
  72. "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 (in Romanian). 6 September 2015.
  73. Traci, Liliana, ed. (6 September 2015). "Amplă manifestație antiguvernamentală la Chișinău: "Vrem țara înapoi", scandează mii de protestatari". Agerpres (in Romanian).
  74. "Large rally raises pressure on Moldovan government over banking scandal". Euronews. 13 September 2015.
  75. Duțu, Constantin (13 September 2015). "Un nou miting de amploare la Chișinău". Cotidianul (in Romanian).
  76. "Proteste de amploare la Chişinău. Zeci de mii de oameni cer demisia preşedintelui şi a guvernului". România TV (in Romanian). 13 September 2015.
  77. "Moldova: Huge anti-corruption protest in Chisinau". BBC News. 13 September 2015.
  78. "Republica Moldova ar putea fi paralizată de o grevă generală". Gândul (in Romanian). 14 September 2015.
  79. "PROTEST în PMAN. Protestatarii cer demisia guvernării. Piața este înconjurată de poliție. Cântă piese de-a soților Aldea Teodorovici". Timpul.md. 29 November 2015.
  80. "UN NOU PROTEST organizat de Platforma DA. Manifestanţii cer demisia guvernării". Publika.md. 29 November 2015.
  81. "Chișinău. Președintele Nicolae Timofti a desemnat un nou premier". Digi24. 14 January 2016.
  82. "DW: Moldova, în pragul revoluției! Totul depinde de o decizie a președintelui". Capital. 14 January 2016.
  83. "Criza in R. Moldova. Ion Paduraru, desemnat pentru functia de premier. De ce a respins presedintele varianta Plahotniuc". Stirile Pro TV. 14 January 2015.
  84. Corneliu Rusnac (14 January 2016). "Moldova: Thousands Protest Against Proposed PM Candidate". ABC News.
  85. "Moldovan President Moves To End Political Crisis". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 14 January 2016.
  86. "Moldova opposition protests against Plahotniuc nomination for prime minister". TASS. 14 January 2016.
  87. "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 2016.
  88. Mihai Draghici (14 January 2016). "Ion Păduraru, desemnat premier al Republicii Moldova". Mediafax.
  89. "Tens of thousands protest in Moldova calling for snap elections". RT. 16 January 2016.
  90. "Proteste violente la Chisinau. Multimea a luat cu asalt Parlamentul, alesii au fost evacuati printr-o iesire secreta". Stirile Pro TV. 20 January 2016.
  91. Diana Robu, Ana Ilie (20 January 2016). "Haos la Chisinau – Guvern investit in secret, la miez de noapte". Ziare.com.
  92. "Protesters in Moldovan capital storm parliament building". RT. 20 January 2016.
  93. "Preşedintele Timofti a amânat ceremonia de depunere a jurământului pentru Guvernul Filip după ce protestatarii au luat cu asalt Parlamentul". Adevărul. 20 January 2016.
  94. "În urma protestelor de ieri seara 15 persoane au ajuns la Spitalul de Urgență". Unimedia. 21 January 2016.
  95. Andrei Luca Popescu (20 January 2016). "CRIZĂ LA CHIŞINĂU. Proteste violente după votul în favoarea Guvernului Pavel Filip. Manifestanţii au intrat cu forţa în Parlament". Gândul.
  96. Roxana Măciucă (27 March 2016). "Marş de amploare în Chişinău, pentru unirea cu România". Gândul.
  97. "Thousands In Moldova Rally For Unification With Romania". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 27 March 2016.
  98. Roxana Măciucă (27 March 2016). "Alertă cu bombă la Chişinău în timpul constituirii platformei care reuneşte organizaţiile unioniste". Mediafax.
  99. "Contramanifestație și altercații la Marșul unioniștilor din centrul capitalei". Unimedia. 27 March 2016.
  100. "In Moldova, thousands protest over proposed voting changes". 11 June 2017 – via Reuters.
    "Proteste in R. Moldova. 24.000 de oameni au iesit in strada pentru a se opune unui proiect de reforma a sistemului electoral" (in Romanian).
    "LIVE: Protest la Chișinău împotriva schimbării sistemului electoral" (in Romanian).
    "11.06.2017 Protestul societății civile din fața Parlamentului". AGORA (in Romanian).
    "Manifestație de protest la Chișinău împotriva modificării sistemului electoral" (in Romanian).
    Vlas, Cristi (6 June 2017). "Reuters: Venice Commission finds Moldova's electoral system change "inappropriate" - Moldova.org". Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  101. "Consiliul Marii Adunări Naţionale organizează un nou PROTEST de amploare la Chişinău" (in Romanian). Retrieved 17 September 2017.
    "Un protest împotriva modificării sistemului electoral a avut loc în capitală" (in Romanian). Retrieved 17 September 2017.
    "Protest în fața Parlamentului: Să măturam această guvernare". Retrieved 17 September 2017.
    Preașcă, Diana (17 September 2017). "Protest în faţa Parlamentului împotriva modificării sistemului electoral// VIDEO — Moldova.org" (in Romanian). Retrieved 17 September 2017.
    "Chişinău – protest contra modificării sistemului electoral – Romania Libera". RomaniaLibera.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  102. Tanas, Alexander (15 October 2015). "Moldova detains former PM in parliament over $1 billion fraud". Reuters.
  103. "Moldova's Ex-PM Arrested for Alleged Bank Fraud". VOA News. 15 October 2015. Archived from the original on 6 February 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  104. "Moldova's Ex-PM Detained After Parliament Lifts His Immunity". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 15 October 2015.
  105. Bojan, Ioana (15 October 2015). "Fostul premier al Moldovei, reţinut pentru corupţie. Vlad Filat e acuzat că ar fi cerut mită 250 de milioane de euro". Gândul (in Romanian).
  106. "Ultima suflare! BNM retrage licenţele Băncii de Economii, Băncii Sociale şi ale Unibank". Publika.md (in Romanian). 16 October 2015.
  107. Popescu, Andrei Luca (29 October 2015). "Guvernul proeuropean al Republicii Moldova a fost demis după doar 3 luni de activitate, printr-o moţiune de cenzură a stângii". Gândul (in Romanian).
  108. Zavadovschi, Silvia (29 October 2015). "Ultimă oră! Guvernul Streleț a primit vot de neîncredere. Ce urmează". Unimedia (in Romanian).
  109. "Stânga românofobă și anti-europeană a demis Guvernul. PDM, PSRM și PCRM au votat ÎMPREUNĂ împotriva Guvernului Streleț". Timpul.md (in Romanian). 29 October 2015.
  110. "MOLDOVA, FĂRĂ EXECUTIV! Parlamentul a votat pentru DEMITEREA GUVERNULUI STRELEŢ". Publika.md (in Romanian). 29 October 2015.
  111. "MAE a luat notă de votul privind moțiunea de cenzură împotriva Guvernului Republicii Moldova". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Romanian). 29 October 2015.
  112. "Proteste la Chişinău: Guvernul demisionează numai în cazul unui vot de neîncredere dat de Parlament". omânia TV (in Romanian). 10 September 2015.
  113. "REACȚIA lui Timofti în legătură cu protestele din țară: Nu voi demisiona". Moldova24 (in Romanian). 9 September 2015.
  114. "Chirtoacă: Anticipatele ar destabiliza situaţia din Republica Moldova". TeleRadio Moldova (in Romanian). 14 September 2015.
  115. "Early Moldova elections 'would be catastrophic'". BBC News. 14 September 2015.
  116. "Chisinau's Mayor accuses Russian security officials of orchestrating protests in Moldova". UNIAN. 13 October 2015.
  117. Măciucă, Roxana (14 September 2015). "ONU solicită autorităţilor din Republica Moldova să răspundă protestatarilor". Gândul (in Romanian).
  118. "UN Rights Chief Urges Moldova To Address Protesters' Demands". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 14 September 2015.
  119. "Ponta, ingrijorat de protestele din Moldova: Sa nu ne trezim cu primari prorusi la Chisinau si Balti". Ziare.com (in Romanian). 4 May 2015.
  120. Drăghici, Mihai (16 September 2014). "Reacţia Rusiei după afirmaţiile lui Victor Ponta privind unirea cu Republica Moldova". Gândul (in Romanian).
  121. "Moldovan, Romanian presidents support Moldova joining EU". Yahoo! News. 7 July 2015.
  122. Andrei, Cristian (7 July 2015). "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 (in Romanian).
  123. Alison Mutler (26 January 2016). "Romania offers Moldova $65 million loan to spur reforms". AP.
  124. "Reacția Ambasadei Statelor Unite la Chișinău privind protestele din PMAN". Unimedia (in Romanian). 10 September 2015.
  125. "Protests Threaten Moldova's Fragile Government". Stratfor. 15 May 2015.
  126. "Moldova's Instability Could Be Romania's Opportunity". Stratfor. 17 July 2015.
  127. "Saakașvili, despre protestele de la Chișinău: "Oamenii au obosit de corupție și clanuri oligarhice"". Independent.md (in Romanian). 7 September 2015.
  128. "Saakaşvili îşi dă cu părerea despre protestele de la Chişinău". Cotidianul (in Romanian). 7 September 2015.
  129. "Presa rusă: Protestele de la Chișinău sunt dirijate de SUA". Independent.md (in Romanian). 12 September 2015.
  130. "Ситуация в Молдове и выбор США". RIA Novosti (in Russian). 10 September 2015.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.