Protestors break into Parliament, as Moldova’s new pro-EU government is approved

Moldova's parliament approved a new government on 20 January 2016, headed by Pavel Filip, who advocated stronger ties with the European Union.

The vote took place amid chaotic scenes, as angry protesters advocating closer relations with Russia entered the chamber and opposition legislators tried to block the vote.

Further protests by both pro-Russian and pro-EU groups took place in the following days calling for new elections. In an interview with the BBC the new prime minister, Pavel Filip, dismissed calls from anti-corruption protesters for his government to step down on the 25 January 2016.

• Primary Source

BBC News, 21.01.16: Moldova political crisis: Protesters break into parliament http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35366194

Deutsche Welle, 20.01.16: Protesters storm Moldova Parliament following approval of new PM http://dw.com/p/1HhOe

EUObserver, 21.01.16: Pro-Russia protesters storm Moldova parliamen https://euobserver.com/foreign/131938

Euronews, 20.01.16: Moldova: protesters storm Parliament http://www.euronews.com/2016/01/20/moldova-protesters-storm-parliament/

RT, 20.01.16: Protesters in Moldovan capital storm parliament building https://www.rt.com/news/329590-protesters-storm-moldova-parliament/

Sputnik International, 21.01.16: Kremlin Calls on All Parties in Moldova Unrest to Refrain From Violence http://sptnkne.ws/a4aU

Balkan Insight, 20.01.16: Pro-Russia Protesters Break Into Moldova Parliament http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/protesters-break-into-moldovan-parliament-01-20-2016

Balkan Insight, 21.01.16: Moldova Braces for Fresh Anti-Govt Protest http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/moldova-brace-for-fresh-protest-01-21-2016

ESO: Background information: Moldova fails to back new government http://www.europeansources.info/record/moldova-fails-to-back-new-government/

EU: EEAS: Statement, 20.01.16: Statement by the Spokesperson on the developments in the Republic of Moldova http://www.eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2016/160120_03_en.htm

TASS, 21.01.16: Moldovan parliament speaker warns Chisinau protesters will be brought to justice http://tass.ru/en/world/851072

Politico, 20.01.16: Protesters storm Moldova’s parliament http://www.politico.eu/article/protesters-storm-moldovas-parliament-protest-russia-supporters/

BBC News, 24.01.16: Moldova political crisis: Protesters demand snap polls http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35394535

Deutsche Welle, 24.01.16: Thousands of protesters decry Moldovan government corruption http://dw.com/p/1Hj8h

Euronews, 24.01.16: Moldova: Thousands rally to demand early elections http://www.euronews.com/2016/01/24/moldova-thousands-rally-to-demand-early-elections/

BBC News, 25.01.16: Moldova PM Pavel Filip rejects calls to step down http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35403563

The Guardian, 27.01.16: Moldovan prime minister Pavel Filip says 'last chance' to end national crisis http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/27/moldovan-prime-minister-pavel-filip-says-last-chance-to-end-national-crisis

EurActiv, 27.01.16: 'Last chance' for Moldova's pro-EU government after mass protests http://www.euractiv.com/sections/europes-east/last-chance-moldovas-pro-eu-government-after-mass-protests-321336

Politico, 30.01.16: [Opinion] Moldova’s pro-Western facade http://www.politico.eu/article/moldovas-pro-western-facade-protest-chisinau-russia-ukraine/

EUObserver, 08.02.16: [Opinion]: How to fix Moldova https://euobserver.com/opinion/132172

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