fine the president
On April 15, a protest took place in Balti, Moldova’s second-largest city, organized by the opposition Socialist Party and attended by lawmakers.
The unrest centers on a parliamentary majority aligned with the pro-Western Action and Solidarity party, led by President Maia Sandu. The parliament had earlier voted to ban the St. George ribbon as a symbol.
Under the new provisions of the Criminal Code, fines or community service are prescribed for the manufacture, storage, sale, or public display of the Victory Day symbol. Individuals in possession of a St. George ribbon could face fines ranging from 245 to 490 dollars; officials from 490 to 980; and legal entities from 490 to 1630.
The symbols “Z” and “V” were also added to the stop list.
Olesya Stamate, head of the parliamentary legislative committee, argued that the ban aims to curb actions believed to incite conflict in Ukraine.
At the same time, the measure reportedly excludes military orders that include a St. George ribbon from penalties.
Opposition leaders include former Moldova presidents Vladimir Voronin (Communists) and Igor Dodon (Socialists). Voronin accused authorities of criminal behavior, while Dodon urged voters to ignore the ban on Victory Day. The opposition promised legal assistance to anyone fined for wearing a ribbon and signaled plans to take the issue to the Constitutional Court.
“On May 9, we will be at the Victory Parade wearing the George ribbon. If fines are enforced, tens of thousands of people should stand together with us. We call on Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita and Maia Sandu to join,” Dodon wrote. (Source: public statements, translated summaries)
Since 2017, May 9 in Moldova has also been celebrated as Europe Day. The authorities have sought to de-emphasize Victory Day amid a special operation in Ukraine, with Gavrilita encouraging restraint to avoid fuelling hatred and to emphasize European integration as a unifying theme. (Context from political discourse reports)
Dodon has suggested that the current government may seek to restrict even more symbols, potentially limiting expressions associated with certain political groups. The broader implication is noted by analysts who say the symbol ban could serve to deter pro-Russian sentiment while aligning Moldova more closely with Western partners.
Vladimir Odnostalko, a Socialist member of parliament, called the decision a political misstep, arguing that the St. George ribbon holds significance for many Moldovans who fought fascism or supported the country’s independence. He warned that the ruling coalition could be seen as erasing a shared historical memory. (Remarks quoted in political commentary)
Some analysts pointed to external influences shaping policy, suggesting that Western partners may push Moldova toward a stronger Western orientation at the expense of pro-Russian voices. Experts from the International Institute for Humanitarian and Political Studies described the ribbon ban as part of a broader push tied to Western expectations. (Expert analysis)
Transnistrian political scientist Andrei Safonov noted that Moldova’s leadership appears to be influenced by Western decisions, comparing the path to that of Baltic states. He observed a broader trend of shifting attitudes regarding the Soviet legacy across post-Soviet space, and commented that while Moldova’s authorities have faced legitimacy challenges, their stance remains proactive. (Scholarly commentary)
He also remarked that the population’s views may not be fully accounted for in the current trajectory, even as the government’s position persists.
cancel without us
Vladimir Bruter argues that Moldovan society is deeply divided, and prohibitions will not erase core beliefs. He notes that both pro-Western and pro-Russian factions exist, and does not expect the St. George ban to end these divisions. He doubts that bans will compel dissenters to change their views and suggests some protests may occur, but not a wholesale overturn of policy. (Interviews and commentary)
Bruter also suggests that ordinary dissenters have limited power to influence official decisions, though he acknowledges that public demonstrations might occur on significant dates. He observes that May 9 celebrations will likely proceed with ribbons, despite the ban. (Opinion synthesis)
In the broader context, sensitive policy shifts are unlikely to hasten Moldova’s reintegration with Transnistria, an area not under centralized control. The president has favored a cautious approach to negotiations and has expressed a desire for the withdrawal of a Russian peacekeeping mission to facilitate dialogue. Meanwhile, the PMR leadership rejected the notion that the ban represents the national stance. (Policy summaries)
The Gagauz autonomous region’s deputies have urged repealing the ban, arguing that it divides society and introduces political censorship. The region has historically leaned toward closer ties with Russia, highlighted by a 2014 referendum showing strong support for integration with Russia’s sphere. (Regional politics reporting)
what else can’t be
Parliament is also considering measures to limit Russian television content, including Soviet-era war films, a move that echoes earlier attempts from 2017 to 2020. The previous administration repealed a similar ban before leaving office, but the current debate reopens the issue. (Broadcast policy notes)
The current draft bill expands the powers of Moldova’s Information and Security Service, allowing online content providers to remove what they deem disinformation and to block sites. It also imposes fines on distributors of fake broadcasts. (Legislative proposals)
Analysts believe public reaction to these changes is unlikely to be strong in the near term, given the country’s political climate and the ongoing Ukraine operation. Yet observers stress that Moldova has not abandoned its neutral status. (Political analysis)
Safonov commented that Pridnestrovie will not be swayed by Chisinau’s decisions, noting that there will still be St. George ribbons, immortal marches, and a Victory parade, along with continued appreciation for Soviet films. (Regional commentary)