CHISINAU, Moldova - Tens of thousands of Moldovans took to the streets on May 3 in the Moldovan capital of Chisinau to demand justice for a banking scandal that saw $1 billion vanish from three of the country’s biggest banks. They are calling for some political leaders in the ruling pro-European coalition to step down for their lack of action over the scandal and poor governance.
The participants dispersed peacefully in the central square at midday, chanting slogans such as “Moldova is ours,” "We are Moldova," and “The thieves must go to jail.”
Moldovans are looking for answers after $1 billion disappeared from three local banks. Banca de Economii, Banca Social and Unibank, issued a total of $1 billion in loans to unidentified recipients, a staggering amount of money that equals about 15 percent of the 2013 gross domestic product of $7.9 billion in a nation of less than four million people.
Prosecutors and American auditors investigated the questionable transactions that took place in November, just a few days before the country’s parliamentary elections, which saw pro-European parties scoring a narrow lead over the pro-Moscow Socialist Party.
The American investigations firm Kroll issued a report early March, but Moldova’s central bank authorities claim the firm does not allow to make the report public. However, details of the report leaked to the press found that Banca de Economii (Savings Bank) issued $600 million in loans to companies backed by Russian banks.
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Not very far from Ulinici, a 67-year-old was holding hands with his wife and listening to the speakers. The pensioner said he is closely following the developments in the country and believes it’s important to come out and speak up against the injustices.
“The current and past governments of this country always tried to separate us, based on our ethnicity and language, so that we could not unite and respond to such events,” said Mihai Popa. “But I am an optimist, I think we can achieve change, if we stand united.”
Plus de 1% de la population, à l’échelle de la France ça donne dans les 750 000 manifestants.