PCRM holds congress in square of Academy of Sciences

Hundreds of sympathizers of the Communist Party (PCRM) came together for the second Civic Congress in the square of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova on May 1, demanding that the government resign and that early parliamentary elections be held. The party’s leader Vladimir Voronin said the ruling alliance is a shame as it usurps the state power and liquidates democracy in Moldova. “We have only one demand – to call democratic early legislative elections,” he stated, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. Vladimir Voronin said that the ruling alliance assailed the opposition, attacked the freedom of expression, closed the TV channel NIT, attacked the district councils where the Communists hold a majority of seats, took legal action against those who respect the national symbols. The Communist MPs and the members of their families are intimidated. “We will fight till the end. Only together will we be able to attract society on our side. Long live, Moldova!” he stressed. PCRM member Ion Ciobanu condemned the actions of the administration, saying the ruling alliance made everything possible to prevent the Communists and the ordinary people from going to the Great National Assembly Square to demonstrate. “For the fist time I saw a Prime Minister who spoke about his accomplishments and was not applauded,” he said, referring to the meeting staged by the employers, trade unions and the Government in the central square of Chisinau. Adela Railean, director of the private television channel NIT, which was deprived of license, said that the channel belongs to the ordinary people. “One month ago, we were banned from addressing you, dear viewers. Until April 5, when the Broadcasting Coordination Council took that monstrous decision, we had been near you. You encourage us and give us power to fight until the NIT returns to your homes as this is your channel, not theirs. I promise you that we will return,” she stated. A participant in the meeting Elena Stroina said that she came to protest against the mockery, poverty and deficiency. “Down with the alliance! Down with the usurpers! We will struggle till the end,” said the woman. The PCRM wanted to stage the second Civic Congress in the Great National Assembly Square, but held the meeting in the square of the Academy of Sciences because several thousand people - members of trade unions from all over the country - came together for a rally in the center of Chisinau to celebrate the International Workers’ Day. Sympathizers of the PCRM went on a march from the Academy to the central square, where they dispersed peacefully.