People sell belongings in Moldova to survive amid crisis
They sell whatever they have left in their homes to earn a little extra money. These are people who usually set up impromptu markets on Gagarin Boulevard on weekends, near the Railway Station in the capital.
They told us that, due to their low incomes, they hope to raise enough money just to cover food. Among them are refugees from Ukraine, fleeing the ongoing conflict.
Elvina Salimzianova came to Moldova after Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. She says she is selling fur coats, shoes, and even medication in an attempt to cover her expenses. 'Here I have my husband’s shoes, mine, my daughter sent me some shoes. The belts were sent by my son-in-law. This is my bag,' said Elvina Salimzianova.
She adds that, besides the money she collects, her children also help her: 'We don’t really have a choice. We’re in a tough spot, but we have to eat, live, and pay for utilities. Gas is expensive. My children help me. From this, we can at least gather enough for bread, milk, or eggs.'
Maria Stoian, who is 70 years old, says she has a pension of 3,500 lei (~€180) and decided to sell her belongings to earn some extra pocket money. 'We have to go out. They give us some compensation, for which we are grateful, but here, 10, 20, 25 lei (~€0.5,..,)—everything is affordable, because we really need it. – Are these yours? – They’re from my grandchildren. Even an elderly neighbor gave me things to sell so that she could afford milk and bread,' said Maria Stoian.
Buyers who come here typically purchase collectible items, such as old books, watches, or porcelain figurines:
'My father collects old watches and repairs them. I also have very old books in German, as I speak both German and French.'
'You can find rare items, like a watch, or things forgotten by time. Many items are available, and the prices are good, by Moldovan standards.'
'I come here two or three times a month. I often find something interesting for myself, like coins.'
We tried to contact Chisinau City Hall to inquire about alternatives for the people selling at the improvised market near the Railway Station, but received no response to our calls or messages.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
