Victory March held in Chisinau center, organized by socialists and communists, featuring Soviet-era music and banned symbols
On Saturday, May 9, participants in the "Victory March" set off from the center of the capital towards the "Eternitate" Memorial Complex. They carried Soviet flags, flowers, and portraits of World War II veterans to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazism. Leading the procession were leaders of socialist and communist parties, along with other opposition representatives.
The demonstration is attended by Igor Dodon, the leader of the Socialists, and his wife, Galina. Also present are MPs Vlad Batrîncea, Zinaida Greceanîi, and Pavel Voicu, as well as Communist Party members Constantin Starîș and Diana Caraman. Additionally, Vasile Tarlev, the president of the "Future of Moldova" Party and an unaffiliated MP, is in attendance.
Some of the participants wear the St. George ribbon, which is banned in the Republic of Moldova.
The crowd chants slogans such as "Moldova", "Victory means peace", "We remember, we are proud", "Победа" (victory - n.r.) and "Спасибо деду за Победу" (thanks to grandfather for the victory - n.r.), and the celebration is accompanied by Soviet songs dedicated to the war, including "Katiusa".
The march was joined along the way by the leader of the communists, Vladimir Voronin, and the Russian ambassador in Chisinau, Oleg Ozerov.
As of April 2022, the manufacture, promotion, or wearing of the St. George ribbon, as well as the symbols "Z" and "V" associated with the Russian army during the war in Ukraine, is prohibited in the Republic of Moldova.
Individuals found in violation may face fines ranging from 4,500 to 9,000 lei, or may be sentenced to unpaid community service. Stricter penalties apply to individuals in positions of responsibility and to legal entities.
In 2025, police reported documenting 53 instances of individuals wearing the St. George ribbon during the May 9 demonstrations. Among those identified were politicians such as Igor Dodon, Vlad Batrîncea, Vladimir Voronin, and Diana Caraman.
May 9 is annually observed in the Republic of Moldova with commemoration ceremonies, public demonstrations, and events dedicated to honoring the memory of those who fell in World War II.
