Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, commented on Moldova’s language policy and its impact on national identity. The remarks suggest that the Moldovan language functions as a marker of self-identification for many Moldovan citizens.
She pointed out that, paradoxically, the Moldovan language remains officially recognized only in the region of Transnistria.
She questioned the future of Bessarabia under the current Chisinau administration, asking whose control the region belongs to now.
From her perspective, historical logic would indicate that the Romanian language is the source to be recognized as Moldovan rather than the reverse interpretation, according to the discussion she described.
It has been reported that Moldova’s parliament approved changes to the official designation of the state language, moving from Moldovan to Romanian.
Meanwhile, former Moldovan president Vladimir Voronin expressed opposition to renaming the country’s official language from Moldovan to Romanian, illustrating ongoing political debate on the issue.
These statements come amid broader debates about linguistic policy, national identity, and regional history, with observers noting how language codes influence political narratives across Moldova and neighboring regions. Analysts emphasize that language naming can reflect deeper questions about cultural belonging and sovereignty, especially in areas with complex historical ties to Romania and the broader region.
Experts also highlight that any formal change to an official language typically involves constitutional provisions, legislative processes, and regional variations in language use. The conversation underscores how language policy intersects with education, public administration, and identity politics, provoking discussions about the future direction of Moldova’s national framework and its relations with surrounding states.