Vastly different May 9 celebrations highlight East-West divide within Moldova Victory Day vs. Europe Day

In Moldova’s capital, Chișinău, two major events held on May 9 underscored the deep divisions within the country over its geopolitical direction: a traditional Russian-style Victory Day celebration and a pro-European Europe Day rally. These parallel commemorations illustrated Moldova’s enduring societal split between nostalgia for its Soviet past and aspirations for a future within the European Union.

Though held just two kilometres apart, an article by Balkan Insight highlights how the events represented vastly different worldviews. More than 10,000 people participated in an unofficial Victory Day march celebrating the Soviet Union’s World War II victory over Nazi Germany. Roughly 20,000 others gathered in the city’s central square to celebrate Europe Day under EU and Moldovan flags, promoting peace and European unity.

Victory Day supporters, such as 60-year-old Svetlana who spoke to the publication, marched to the Soviet soldiers’ memorial at the Eternitate complex. Holding red flowers, she described the day as sacred: “It is like Easter for me... This is our life, our happiness, our freedom.” Grateful for the Soviet Red Army’s legacy, she reflected on the peace that followed World War II as a gift from earlier generations.

Meanwhile, the Great National Assembly Square was filled with thousands of Moldovans waving flags of the EU, Moldova, and other European nations like Romania, Germany, and Ukraine. Maria, 55, said the event reminded her of her children working in Italy. About one million Moldovans now live, work, or study abroad — mostly in the EU — sending back vital remittances that support the national economy. Since a visa-free regime with the EU began in 2014, Europe has offered hope for greater prosperity and mobility. Maria expressed her longing for a more European Moldova: “We want our Europe at home... so our children can return and grow up in peace.” She also voiced optimism that Moldova could join the EU before 2030, the government’s target date for accession.

This societal divide extends into politics, as the article recalls that pro-European President Maia Sandu narrowly defeated her pro-Russian challenger, Alexandr Stoianoglo in the 2024 presidential election. Analysts attribute the strong pro-Russian turnout to lingering Soviet-era loyalties and ongoing efforts by Moscow to sway Moldovan politics.

To bolster domestic support and rally public enthusiasm for its military campaign in Ukraine, the Kremlin has in the past years hi-jacked the May 9 celebrations by strategically weaving together the nation's deep emotional attachment to World War II commemorations with its current military offensive. The Kremlin’s messaging frames Russia’s role in Ukraine as a continuation of its historic role as a liberator, hoping to generate the domestic support required to continue its assault.

Speaking at the Europe Day event, President Sandu emphasised unity and remembrance. She acknowledged the pain of Moldova’s wartime losses, noting that over 260,000 Moldovans had fought against Nazi Germany and that 56,000 never returned. “The memory of those who were killed is not a reason for celebration, but a lesson to be imprinted in the soul,” she said. Amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, she urged Moldovan politicians not to sow further division.

The Europe Day celebration also featured high-profile EU officials, including Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi and Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn, signalling strong European support for Moldova’s EU accession hopes.

By Nazrin Sadigova