The persons who protested in the central square of Chisinau on March 2 were ignored by all the governments of the Republic of Moldova so far. Experts consider the volunteers of the Nistru armed conflict, who mounted a protest in front of the Government Building yesterday, represent a group of people for whom social programs weren’t designed, IPN reports.

“The participants in the Nistru war are a separate section that has always been neglected. Our rulers during 30 years haven’t had sufficient character to classify the Nistru war. The persons who took part in this armed conflict, the volunteers, do not have an official status. They have always been outside the social programs of all the governments,” analyst Stela Jantuan stated in the talk show “Natalia Morari’s Politics” on TV8 channel.

Civic activist Ștefan Gligor said the politicians should show their respect for the people who contributed to maintaining Moldova’s independence.

“We should show respect for those who 28 years ago fulfilled their patriotic duties. Regrettably, the state does not appreciate their contribution to building the state. They were left to survive, not to live. Many do not understand their situation. I’m sure that most of them didn’t benefit from psychological support, rehabilitation programs, assistance, motivation, professional formation,” stated Ștefan Gligor.

Commentator Roman Mihăieș said the veterans who protested now in central Chisinau represent a section that is completely different from those who protested until now.

“This time, the protest involved volunteers of the Nistru war who earlier didn’t take to the streets. There were more volunteers from villages and districts among the protesters. Those of the army have pensions, while these do not have anything. They didn’t have possibilities after the war. Those who do not have other possibilities should be offered health insurance gratis. The state should cover 50% of the costs of public utilities for the veterans with disabilities. There are methods by which they can be helped. The Ministry of Labor should have experts who would deal with their problems,” stated Roman Mihăieș.

Asked if the veterans could have been directed by political forces from behind, the three experts said something like this is not excluded. Roman Mihăieș said that besides social slogans, the protesters also used some political slogans. Stela Jantuan noted that the central square of Chisinau is never occupied without a reason and this exercise is like a test of the future protests that will be mounted in Moldova.

Anatol Macovei, one of the leaders of the protesters, assured that the protest was based on social demands, not on political actions.

“We have no connection with parties. It wasn’t an unplanned protest. The first actions were taken in January, when a list of demands was put forward. No one responded to the demands and it was thus decided to mount a protest, but there are no political forces behind the protests,” noted Anatol Macovei.

Asked about the subsequent actions, the former combatant said a decision will be made later, depending on the steps that will be taken by the authorities.