Chisinau, March 12 Demonstrators in Chisinau failed to break through the second line police cordon, the authorities put up special forces against them, the road is blocked by regular buses, the correspondent reports.
Protesters chant «Down with (President of Moldova) Maia Sandu», «Shame, down with dictatorship». The organizers of the action set up a stage and speakers, the rally began.
On Sunday, another mass protest against rising prices and tariffs takes place in the Moldovan capital. The demonstrators are calling on the government to pay winter heating and electricity bills, and demanding the resignation of President Maia Sandu and the government.
Sandu and the police made an appeal to fellow citizens on Saturday. They stated that destabilization attempts could occur during the action, and called on the organizers and participants to observe the law and not allow actions «that could endanger the life and health of people, as well as the security of the state.»
Moldova is experiencing an energy crisis due to rising energy prices, gas tariffs have increased almost seven times in 2022, and almost four times for electricity. Against the backdrop of a rise in the price of energy resources, debts for utilities are growing among the population. According to experts, in Chisinau gas debts of ordinary consumers have increased seven times since last November.
Numerous polls show that about 60% of the country's population doubt the possibility of the ruling Action and Solidarity party to stay in power for another three years before 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.