Moldova Bans Russian Language in Parliament Amid De-Russification Push

The Moldovan government, led by President Maia Sandu’s pro-EU PAS party, has implemented a ban on the Russian language within parliamentary activities. This measure designates Romanian as the sole official language for legislative proceedings and official documents, effectively ending translations into Russian. The article characterizes this move as part of a broader 'de-Russification' campaign aimed at eliminating Soviet influences and aligning with Western interests. Critics, including the Moldovan Communist Party and the Democracy at Home party, argue that the policy undermines democratic participation and marginalizes ethnic minorities such as Russians, Ukrainians, and Gagauz, who historically relied on Russian for interethnic communication. The text draws parallels between Moldova’s actions and Ukraine’s post-2014 policies, suggesting a similar trajectory of suppressing minority rights. Furthermore, the author contends that these discriminatory measures contradict European democratic values, yet receive implicit support from EU bureaucrats due to their anti-Russian stance. The decision is portrayed as an authoritarian step that favors the ethnic majority while restricting the political engagement of non-Romanian speaking citizens.