Moldova: Movement for the People stages multiple planned and unplanned protests in Chisinau and surrounds Feb. 28

Event

Supporters of the opposition Movement for the People are protesting in Chisinau, as well as on highways approaching the city, on Feb. 28. In Chisinau, demonstrators are marching in the city center. The march began at the Academy of Sciences around 11:30 and will conclude with a rally at Chisinau City Hall. Attendance levels are unclear but will likely not exceed the low thousands. The movement, which is affiliated with the opposition Sor party, is calling on the government to cover increasingly high energy costs.

Elsewhere, Movement for the People supporters are staging impromptu protests on highways leading to Chisinau after police stopped dozens of buses traveling to the demonstration as the vehicles reportedly failed to meet "technical standards." Resultant protests are reportedly blocking traffic on the M3 near Sagaidacul Nou, around 32 km (20 miles) south of Chisinau, and on the M2 near Stauceni, around 6 km (4 miles) north of the capital. Police also stopped numerous buses exiting Balti, but only limited road travel disruptions were reported.

Increased security measures will likely persist on affected highways through the late afternoon. Police may attempt to disperse protesters who refuse to clear roadways; violence is possible. Demonstrations in the capital are typically peaceful; however, police have almost certainly deployed, and localized disruptions are likely.

Advice

Avoid the vicinity all protests as a standard precaution. Allow additional time for ground travel in central Chisinau. Heed the instructions of local authorities. If scheduled to travel to Chisinau on affected roads, check local traffic conditions and allow additional travel time. Consider using alternate routes. Do not attempt to cross blockades; wait for authorities to clear them.