Moldova parties protest: Gov't claims Kremlin, election stunt
While they have formed an electoral bloc to participate in the autumn parliamentary elections, they are protesting separately.
The Socialist Party today expressed dissatisfaction with policies promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, while the "Heart of Moldova" Party protested in front of the Government against natural gas tariffs. They also accuse alleged corruption schemes within the energy sector. In response, the Executive accuses representatives of both parties of lying and manipulation.
They chanted: "Resign!"
The Socialists accuse the current government of failing to provide effective measures and real support mechanisms for farmers.
"The situation in agriculture is very serious, and everyone acknowledges this. Regrettably, we see that the authorities are doing nothing about it. Thousands will go bankrupt this year. There's drought, no market outlets, and state subsidies from 2023 haven't settled the debts yet," stated Igor Dodon, the president of the Socialist Party.
"We want things to be as they were in the past, even just a little."
"For a good life, for peace, for Moldova to thrive, and for all of us to be alive and healthy."
"We can no longer tolerate these things. Enough is enough."
The Ministry of Agriculture labeled the protest as an electoral stunt: "I'm not saying we don't have work to do; there's a lot of work, but in the context of the agricultural sector, support has been constant and continuous. I just want to leave a message for farmers: don't let yourselves be manipulated," stated Agriculture Minister Ludmila Catlabuga.
Meanwhile, the "Heart of Moldova" Party, the Socialists' electoral bloc partners, demonstrated in front of the Executive. The party leaders entered the building to submit a petition.
"I'm telling you again—either you take it and deliver it, or we'll call our colleagues," stated Irina Vlah.
The protestors demonstrated against natural gas tariffs.
"They promised in 2020 that the gas tariff would be less than four lei. What do we have now? The tariff is 17 lei," added Irina Vlah, president of the "Heart of Moldova" Party.
Government spokesperson Daniel Vodă emphasized that both demonstrations are electoral protests, which, through lies and deception, aim to steal votes from uninformed people.
"Today, the pro-Russian parties picketed two institutions – the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Ministry of Agriculture. In the agricultural sector, over six billion lei have been invested recently. All contributions made by the respective ministry are paid on time. Work is being done on energy efficiency, energy independence, and the country is supplied with all resources. These so-called protests in front of public institutions are nothing more than instructions carried out from the Kremlin, where the masters of these political formations reside," stated Daniel Vodă.
It is worth noting that on Tuesday, the Communist Party, the Socialist Party, the "Future of Moldova" Party, and the "Heart of Moldova" Party announced the formation of an electoral bloc to participate in the parliamentary elections on September 28.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
