Thousands in Moldova protest, urging gov't to resign amid inflation
Thousands show their anger outside the Moldovan president's official residence in central Chisinau over spiraling natural gas prices and inflation.
-
Tents had been set up by protesters in Chisinau, Moldova. (Photo: via PCRM)
Thousands in Moldova's capital protested on Sunday demanding the country's pro-Western government resign amid mounting anger over spiraling natural gas prices and inflation.
The small east European country, wedged between Ukraine and Romania, has witnessed rising political tensions in recent months as gas prices jumped after the war in Ukraine.
🇲🇩 The sixth day of indefinite protest in Moldova has begun. Tents have been set up near the government building. The people are demanding the resignation of President Maia Sandu, against the backdrop of constant price increases and huge bills. pic.twitter.com/mXwAXd65Q1
— Janey (@_Janey_J) September 24, 2022
Thousands of people protested outside the Moldovan president's official residence in central Chisinau, according to a Reuters reporter, chanting slogans like "down with (President) Maia Sandu" and "down with the government".
Mass protests in Chisinau, Moldova 🇲🇩. People gathered near the parliament building. The protesters demand the resignation of the current leadership and the re-election of deputies. pic.twitter.com/7BPFBpDVV5
— JK (@JK2022Z) September 25, 2022
Sandu has repeatedly denounced Russia's actions in Ukraine and is pushing for membership in the European Union. Her critics argue that she should have negotiated a better gas agreement with Russia, Moldova's main supplier.
Read: EU approves candidacy status for Ukraine, Moldova
On Friday, Moldova's gas regulator increased prices for households by 27 percent.
Protesters have set up around 10 tents outside the residence by the afternoon.
Last week, thousands protested high inflation and fuel costs outside Moldova's government in the ex-Soviet state's main square in Chisinau, demanding the resignation of pro-Western President Maia Sandu and her government.
"Sandu's biggest shortcoming is being unable to communicate with ordinary Moldovans," Analyst Vitalie Andrievschi told Reuters. "Sandu and her government are unable to assume their share of responsibility and punish those clearly unable to do their jobs."
