Thousands of Moldovans gathered this Sunday at the Great National Assembly Square in Chisinau to take part in the “European Moldova” demonstration called by European President Maia Sandu in support of European Union (EU) integration.
“The transformation of Moldova into a European state means going a long way. It will not be easy, but in the end we will be proud that we made the right decision,” Sandu said in an address to the demonstrators, quoted by Moldova’s official news agency Moldpress. .
“This is the path that we have chosen so that our country does not remain on the sidelines of Europe, does not live in Russian blackmail, poverty and corruption. European Moldova is a Moldova where there is a place for all its citizens. Where everyone can achieve their potential freely, without humiliation and persecution,” he added.
The demonstration began with the performance of Moldovan hymns and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, considered the anthem of Europe, after which those present chanted “Europe!” and “Europe Moldova!”.
The Moldovan media published several aerial photographs of the square, almost filled with participants.
Similar initiatives are planned in 33 other cities in Moldova and the rest of the world, and the opposition Shor party has called for alternative demonstrations in the Moldovan cities of Comrat, Bali and Orhei against the government and European integration. The goal of the opposition is to promote a referendum to decide “Where the country goes, west or east.”
During the demonstration, Maia Sandu assured the participants that “Moldova’s place is in the EU”.
“Our goal is for Moldova to become a full member of the European family by 2030,” he said, emphasizing that “Europe is more than a political “slogan”, Europe is a way of life, a dream that needs to be realized, and this is an opportunity for nations to live in peace, tranquility and fullness.”
In addition to the President of Moldova, the pro-European demonstration was attended by former Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilin and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, who on her Twitter account estimated the number of participants at 70,000 people.
“We are here to reaffirm your European choice, to support your choice to join the European Union as a member state,” Metsola told demonstrators.
The European representative said that the integration of the country into the EU will allow young Moldovans to “access the opportunities” that their children have and will offer young Moldovan women “the same opportunity to fulfill their potential as any other person in Europe.”
“Europe is your family and you have the right to choose the future of your country. You will choose Europe, and Europe will welcome you with open arms and an open heart. There are no big or small powers in the EU. We believe in equal opportunity and free,” Metsola added.
In June last year, together with Ukraine, Moldova received the status of a candidate country for EU membership, which Sandu then called “the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Since then, the government has accused Russia of fueling instability by funding opposition protests, which the Kremlin has vehemently denied.
In recent months, Moldova has reduced its dependence on Russian energy by turning to other sources of natural gas, and Sandu’s government has been praised by Western capitals for its reform agenda.
However, the country’s position remains precarious due to the presence of Russian troops in the breakaway region of Transnistria, recognized by the vast majority of the international community as part of Moldova, despite its “de facto” independence.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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