Moldovans Stage Celebrations of Romanian Language Day

Officials and cultural figures laid flowers at the statue of Stephen the Great in the centre of Chisinau and at statues of Romanian-language writers in Central Park in the capital.

President Maia Sandu broadcast a video message celebrating the Romanian language and other languages spoken in the country.

"On Romanian Language Day, I want the Romanian language to become a common denominator for all citizens of Moldova, whatever their mother tongue, and to function here in harmony with the other languages - Ukrainian, Russian, Gagauz, Bulgarian and others," said Sandu.

On August 31, 1989, the Supreme Soviet of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic adopted a law that stipulated a return to the Latin alphabet from the Cyrillic script imposed by the USSR after World War II. The legislation explicitly mentioned the fact that the Moldovan language is identical to the Romanian language.

The following year, parliament instituted August 31 as a national holiday celebrating the Romanian language.

Moldovan teenagers lay flowers in front of a statue of Moldovan ruler Stephan the Great on Tuesday. Photo: Madalin Necsutu

The Vali Boghean Band performing in a small park near Chisinau City Hall as part of Tuesday's celebration. Photo: Madalin Necsutu

President Maia Sandu broadcast a video message to celebrate the Romanian language along with other languages spoken by people in Moldova. Photo: Moldovan Presidency

Folk singer Viorel Burlacu performs in front of a big crowd in Central Park in Chisinau. Photo: BIRN/Madalin Necsutu

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