Parliament of Moldova has approved new procedural rules limiting the use of the Russian language in parliamentary sessions, triggering a walkout by pro-Russian and right-wing opposition lawmakers.
The changes were introduced under the leadership of the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity, headed by pro-European President Maia Sandu.
Under the new regulations, Romanian has been formally designated as the working language of parliament, while new time limits were also imposed on speeches delivered in the chamber.
Russian had previously held the status of an “inter-ethnic” language in Moldova, and parliamentary documents were routinely translated into Russian.
Opposition parties criticized the move and staged a walkout during the parliamentary session, accusing the government of marginalizing Russian-speaking citizens and deepening political divisions in the country.
The development comes amid ongoing tensions in Moldova between pro-European and pro-Russian political forces, as the government in Moldova continues to pursue closer integration with the European Union and reduce Russian influence in state institutions.
Image: Moldovan lawmakers attend a parliamentary session held to vote on approving the country’s new prime minister in Chisinau, Moldova, October 31, 2025. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
