Thread by @DionisCenusa

#Moldova: In less than 30 min, the protests are going to start. By means of these protests, the opposition and president elect Sandu are demanding for early parliamentary elections. This thread covers the situation around these protests. THREAD:

1. The major trigger of the protests were the legislative actions of Socialists/Dodon to limit some competences of the President elect Sandu. I explained it here 👇

https://twitter.com/dioniscenusa/status/1334523428007763971

2. The EU and Romania have signaled their support to the criticism of Sandu and the opposition regarding the limitation of the competences and overall the correctness of legislative process. 👇

https://twitter.com/dioniscenusa/status/1334895542627954688

3. People are gathering on the main square that is situated in front of the government.

4. The opposition has two demands: 1) the resigning of the government, and as a consequence 2) the triggering of early elections. This seems the most viable way because Sandu’s political allies have insufficient votes to initiate a vote of no-confidence in the parliament.

5. The protests have started. There are thousands of people, who are wearing masks and respect the physical distance (were it’s possible). The stage from which will speak Sandu and other opposition. political leaders is decorated with Moldovan and EU flags.

6. People are chanting “Diaspora, diaspora, diaspora!” thanking for the support. As I wrote yesterday, the diaspora is asked to contribute with donations to back the protests.

7. Because of high political corruption, the current parliament is not deemed anymore as representative and legitimate. Early elections are seen as the only solution.

8. Two important details. First, Dodon/Socialists want early elections too. They invited pro-EU parties to schedule together the elections. Second, president elect Sadu/opposition is willing much sooner early elections to help her party to bring more pro-reform MPs in new parl.

9. The pro-Romanian (reunification) forces pointed to Putin’s Russia as the chief problem. They declared that Russia controls Moldova with the help of Dodon.

10. Sandu’s allies, particularly the Platform DA, is mulling a national strike and longer term protests starting from Dec. 10. This day the Const. Court is most probably going to validate Sandu as president. The nationwide protests/strikes will aim to force the PM to step down.

11. The protests are over. The participants voted on a resolution that requests government’s resigning, the annulment of controversial laws adopted by Socialists and Shor’s group this week, and the triggering of early parl. elections. New protests were announced on Dec. 10. (END)