Protesters called on political leaders to change the constitution to specifically state the country’s European orientation.
Tens of thousands of Moldovans gathered in the capital Chisinau to support their pro-Western government’s push for Europe amid what officials say are Russian attempts to destabilize their country.
According to initial police estimates, more than 75,000 people took part in the demonstration in the center of the capital on Sunday.
They waved European Union flags and chanted pro-European slogans.
“We came to say loudly, confidently and proudly that Moldovans are Europeans!” President Maia Sandu, who had called for the rally, told the crowd.
She said her country wants to join the EU of 27 countries by 2030.
“This is the chance for our people to live in peace and prosperity,” she said.
Moldova has been hit hard by the fallout from Moscow’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine, which Chisinau has repeatedly condemned and asked to join the EU.
Sandu has accused Russia of trying to sabotage European integration by fomenting anti-government protests and propaganda. Moscow denies interfering in Moldova’s affairs.
“Moldova does not want to be blackmailed by the Kremlin,” Sandu said at the rally in a central square.
According to police, more than 75,000 protesters were present.
“We don’t want to be on the edge of Europe anymore,” she said.
Welcome ‘with open arms’
During a visit to Chisinau, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also addressed the meeting, saying that Europe would welcome Moldova “with open arms and open hearts”.
“This is about both of us: you bring a piece of Moldova to Europe and you make Europe stronger,” she said.
Protesters called on Moldova’s political leaders to amend the constitution to specifically state the country’s European orientation.
The leader of the pro-Russian opposition party Shor, exiled businessman Ilan Shor, told his supporters via video link at rival protests in several cities that he would push for a referendum on Moldova’s foreign policy.
Shor, sanctioned by the United States as an agent of Russian influence in Moldova, was sentenced last month in absentia to a 15-year prison sentence for his role in the 2014 theft of $1 billion from Moldovan banks.