In Moldova’s capital, thousands call for government’s resignation
Supporters of the Shor political party attend at a protest in front of the Presidential Palace in Chisinau, Moldova, 18 September 2022. Protesters ask for the freedom of Deputy of the Shor political party Marina Tauber, who was arrested on 21 July 2022, and the demission of President Sandu with the government, accusing them of incompetence and being responsible for the inefficient economy, inflation and rapid increase of prices. On placard reads 'no cold war! no cold winter!'. [EPA-EFE/DUMITRU DORU]Several thousand people protested in Moldova’s capital on Sunday to demand the resignation of the country’s pro-Western government amid mounting anger over spiralling natural gas prices and inflation.
The small east European nation, sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, has seen political tensions rise in recent months as gas prices soar following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A Reuters reporter saw thousands of people protesting outside the Moldovan president’s official residence in central Chisinau, chanting slogans including “down with (President) Maia Sandu” and “down with the government”.
Sandu has repeatedly condemned Moscow’s actions in Ukraine and is pushing for membership of the European Union. Her critics charge she should have negotiated a better gas deal with Russia, Moldova’s main supplier.
On Friday, Moldova’s gas regulator raised prices by 27% for households.
Around 10 tents had been set up by protesters outside the residence by the afternoon, following an attempt to create a protest camp outside Moldova’s parliament last week.
SOURCE: REUTERS
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