Ex-President Dodon Calls Moldova's Independence Day Military Parade a 'Provocation'

Moldova's former president and leader of the Party of Socialists, Igor Dodon, has criticized the decision to hold a military parade for the country's 35th independence anniversary, calling it a "provocation" and an unjustified waste of money.

Speaking to media, Dodon argued that the state lacks funds for salaries and agriculture, making a parade involving military equipment and heavy spending unreasonable. He suggested marking the anniversary modestly instead — without equipment or large expenditures — while still treating the date as important.

Parliament speaker disagrees

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu countered that the 35th anniversary is a highly significant date in the country's history, stressing the need to honor those who, three and a half decades ago, showed courage and refused to be intimidated by the KGB and various criminal groups.

Moldova will mark the 35th anniversary of its independence on August 27. Chisinau is set to host a parade involving more than 2,000 servicemembers, including guests from Ukraine, along with over 100 pieces of military equipment.

Earlier, Moldovan authorities debunked a false claim about a planned flyover by Romanian F-16 jets during the event. Moldovan President Maia Sandu was among the leaders who traveled to Kyiv for Ukraine's Independence Day and took part in a meeting of the "coalition of the willing." Poland, meanwhile, held the largest military parade in its history on August 15.