CHISINAU, Nov 6 Shor party supporters on Sunday they are again trying to get to the central square to hold an anti-government rally, but they are prevented by a police cordon, which the demonstrators throw white chrysanthemums at, the correspondent reports. The action was supposed to be held in the square in front of the parliament, but the column of demonstrators again moved to the central square. The police cordon blocked their way.
The protesters brought Moldovan flags and white chrysanthemums with them, some brought funeral wreaths, many of them were holding photographs with footage of policemen using force against supporters of the Shor party at past actions. Flowers are thrown at police officers. A stage was set up right in front of the cordon to finally start the demonstration.
An indefinite protest action of the Shor party, which the Communist Party has joined, has been taking place in Chisinau since September 18. The protesters are outraged by the unprecedented increase in prices for gas, other energy resources and food, as well as high inflation and falling living standards. The protesters accuse the authorities of failing to cope with the crisis, point to a record inflation over the past 20 years, which in September amounted to 33.97% on an annualized basis. The country's leadership is criticized for its unwillingness to negotiate better gas prices with Russia, as well as for political pressure on opposition representatives. In mid-October, police and fighters from the Fulger (Lightning) and Scorpion (Scorpion) special battalions dispersed a peaceful demonstration, dismantled the opposition tent city, which was set up in front of the parliament building.
Multiple polls show that about 60% of the country's population doubt in the possibility of the ruling Action and Solidarity party to stay in power for another three years until the next parliamentary elections. Also, about 70% of Moldovans are disappointed with the policy of the authorities and almost 65% support the idea of changing the government.