PCRM protests gas price hikes with candles
Dissatisfied with the hike in natural gas rates, dozens of people took part in a protest organized by the Communist Party (PCRM). They brought candles and mocked a statement by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, who had urged citizens—while addressing Parliament—to pray for a mild winter and an end to the Gulf conflict. Government representatives said authorities would continue to ensure the country's energy security and support citizens during the cold season, including by providing compensation.
The National Energy Regulatory Agency is set to discuss a proposal to raise natural gas and heating tariffs.
"We don't know what we'll have to pay for first—heating, groceries, or medicine."
"They always lie; they promised us 'good times,' but these are 'good times' only for them—for the people, things are getting worse and worse. It looks like it’s going to be a very, very hard winter."
The protesters brought candles.
"We heeded the Prime Minister's call to pray."
"We are outraged and disagree with the fact that the government, instead of proposing solutions to problems, places the entire burden on citizens' shoulders and asks them to pray," said Diana Caraman, leader of the PCRM.
In the context of the organized protest, the Government stated that the authorities would continue to ensure the country's energy security and support citizens during the cold season, including through the provision of compensation. Currently, the Republic of Moldova is facing several overlapping risks: the situation in the gas and fuel markets, drought and its impact on water resources, and the vulnerability of the regional energy system. To enable a rapid state response, the government has declared a state of emergency in the energy and water sectors.
