[Info-Prim Neo article from the series “2011: how it was and how it wasn't”] {Chisinau with its achievements, failures and prospect – the protests of the year} In 2011, the Chisinau City Hall was stormed with protests. The demands ranged from better life conditions to resignations and firings. A significant number of protests were organized against the demolition of monuments in the historical center of the city. Vitalie Voznoi, member of the “My dear city” movement, told Info-Prim Neo that only tenth part of the demands were taken into consideration by the authorities. Vitalie Voznoi stressed that civil society and local authorities needed to collaborate better in order to solve existing problems. Protests are a way of raising public awareness and sometimes they are truly effective. Corina Rezneac, member of the Civic Group “The Postmen of Chisinau”, admits that some demands are indeed met, but problems remain largely the same. She gave the example of the Architecture Division. Chief-architect Vlad Modarca left, but the other employees that infringe the laws remain. Corina Rezneac emphasizes that authorities should care more about the historical center. Demolitions with maintaining of the façade are not a way of preserving monuments. “I can’t say we achieved a lot through our protests, but there were a few things undertaken. For example, authorities installed plates showing that a building has monument status”, she said. Another protester who visited the City Hall frequently, Hyde Park’s Oleg Brega, thinks that nothing has changed after tens of protests. “In minibuses, the drivers are the same: scornful, they speed, stop outside stations, smoke, the music is on. Cars are parked everywhere, even in front of the City Hall. The demolition of historical monuments continues. I won’t be surprised if one day a mall is built in place of a City Hall wing”, says Oleg Brega. The Hyde Park member said that protests have always been a civilized, peaceful and efficient tool of raising public awareness. Next year, we will probably see noisier and hotter protests, with more participants. Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca told Info-Prim Neo that as long as the protests are justified, they don’t bother anyone. “We go there, we talk to people, look for solutions and apologize when there has been no reaction. This is only in the case of justified or political protests. We respect the right to express one’s opinions. But if the protest has other goals than the ones stipulated by law, we can simply watch and wish good luck”, said the mayor. [Elena Nistor, Info-Prim Neo]