Moldova Marks Independence Day As Pensioners Condemn Government

Authorities organized a folk costume parade and a concert in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau, to mark the country's independence day on August 27. Meanwhile, hundreds joined a march called by the Union of Pensioners in Moldova to protest against corruption and low retirement pensions. Participants carried pickets with slogans such as "Stop social genocide," "Minimum pension is a minimum of existence," and "Moldova, the failed state where pensioners have been robbed by thieves from the government." (RFE/RL's Moldovan Service)