The National Police of Moldova warned of the possibility of unrest at a rally on March 12
Destabilization and riots are planned for the protests of the Moldovan movement “For the People” on March 12, the press service of the National Police of the country warned.
“The National Police has information that tomorrow, during the protest, destabilization and riots are planned. In this regard, we ask the organizers and participants to comply with the requirements of the law and not allow actions that could endanger the life and health of people, as well as the security of the state,” the message reads.
The police stressed that they will not tolerate provocations and manifestations of aggression, including against their employees. The agency also asked the participants who will move in front of the column to be with their faces open.
The possibility of unrest at the Sunday protest action was allowed by the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, RIA Novosti reports. “These risks always exist. But so far, our structures have demonstrated that they know how to keep the situation under control. I am sure that now they will continue to ensure public order,” she told reporters.
The organizer of the protest action is the opposition Shor party. On March 11, the party’s press service reported that the authorities were doing “everything possible to prevent the Sunday rally.” The party accused the Moldovan authorities of launching “the biggest wave of intimidation, blackmail and harassment” against people who plan to come to the protest. As part of the planned rally, the protesters will demand that the government fully pay utility bills for the winter months.
Protests organized by the Shor party have been held in Moldova since September 2022, and protesters point to increased prices for food (by 31.8%), gas (by 1.8 times), coal (by 2.1 times). ), electricity (2.7 times), as well as a record for 20 years of general inflation (at the end of 2022 it reached 30.24%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic). Against the background of the crisis, on February 10, 2023, the Prime Minister of Moldova, Natalia Gavrilitsa, resigned.
