Thousands stage antigovernment protest in Moldova
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 April 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Thousands stage antigovernment protest in Moldova, 24 April 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5769005611.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 24, 2016
The government building in Chisinau was encircled by a heavy police presence that the Interior Ministry said would be sufficient to ensure public order during the protest, which was organized by the pro-European Dignity and Truth party.
Thousands of protesters have demonstrated on the streets of Moldova's capital, demanding that the government resign and calling for early elections.
The government building in Chisinau was encircled by a heavy police presence on April 24 that Moldova's Interior Ministry said would be sufficient to ensure public order during the protest, which was organized by the pro-European Dignity and Truth party.
The protesters claim Moldova's government is under the influence of a politically connected business class that dictates policy.
Moldova has been mired in political turmoil over the past year.
The parliament last month announced that the country will hold a presidential election on October 30, the first time the electorate will directly choose the impoverished ex-Soviet state's head of state since 2001.
Earlier in March, a court ruled in favor of having direct national elections to choose a president rather than a vote in parliament – a concession to protesters who had demonstrated for months against the political elite.
Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Moldovan Service, AP, and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
