Victory Day in Moldova shares May 9 with Europe Day
On May 9, Moldova is marking two holidays at once: Victory Day, widely observed by many citizens, and Europe Day, promoted by the authorities and European officials.
The government has not moved to ban Victory Day commemorations, despite comments by visiting EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, who suggested such a step. Officials appear wary of a public backlash. Still, their priorities are clear.
Early in the morning, before the Victory March and the Immortal Regiment columns were due to gather, Maia Sandu, Igor Grosu and Alexandru Munteanu laid white flowers at the Eternity Memorial. For them, critics say, May 9 is treated less as Victory Day than as a day of mourning and remembrance.
Central Chișinău reserved for Europe Day
The authorities’ main public event today is Europe Day. For that purpose, they reserved the central square in Chișinău, where tents of state institutions and European diplomatic missions are again being set up.
The State Chancellery, together with the State Protection and Guard Service, barred participants in the Victory March and the Immortal Regiment from gathering in the square. The St. George’s ribbon, which has become one of the symbols of Victory Day, remains under strict restrictions, with the Interior Ministry warning of large fines for wearing it.
Even so, the commemorations will still take place. Organisers decided to move the starting point to the intersection of Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard and Bănulescu-Bodoni Street. They also agreed not to use party symbols. Instead, the common symbols for participants will be copies of the Victory Banner and the banner marking the liberation of Chișinău.
Around 400,000 people born in Moldova were mobilised into the Red Army and fought against the Nazis and the Antonescu regime. Many also fought in partisan units. Tens of thousands were awarded orders and medals, while tens of thousands never returned home, paying with their lives for the victory over Nazism.
Critics say attempts are being made to push this memory into the background and replace it with the political symbolism of European integration. But for many in Moldova, May 9 remains, above all, Victory Day.
People all over the world remember the great feat of those who fight against Nazism. Happy Victory Day!
