Thousands of protesters rallied in the Moldovan capital Sunday to demand the government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections.

Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon.

But Moldovan lawmakers this week passed a bill transferring control of the country's intelligence agency from the president to parliament, and Sandu called for her supporters to rally against it.

AFP journalists estimated that 20,000 people took part in a rally to demand the government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections
AFP journalists estimated that 20,000 people took part in a rally to demand the government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections AFP / BOGDAN TUDOR

She and supporters say the legislation's goal is to undermine the presidency before Sandu takes office and to boost parliament, where Dodon's supporters outnumber the opposition.

More than 5,000 people rallied on Thursday against the move.

On Sunday, more than 50,000 protesters gathered in front of the parliament building, according to organisers.

IMAGES Thousands of demonstrators gather in the Moldovan capital of Chisinau to demand the resignation of the government and the dissolution of the parliament. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise vi
IMAGES Thousands of demonstrators gather in the Moldovan capital of Chisinau to demand the resignation of the government and the dissolution of the parliament. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon. AFPTV / Dorin Scobioala

AFP journalists at the scene said that at least 20,000 protesters had turned out.

The opposition said many more could not make it to the rally, and accused police of having blocked entry to Chisinau to those coming from outside, including farmers who had arrived in tractors.

During the protest, demonstrators chanted "Down with Dodon!" and "We will not give in!" Hundreds of police cordoned off the parliament building, but did not interfere with the rally.

Moldovan President-elect Maia Sandu says incumbent Igor Dodon "does not want to admit defeat. He wants now to set fire to the country, provoke chaos, and drive Moldova into international isolation"
Moldovan President-elect Maia Sandu says incumbent Igor Dodon "does not want to admit defeat. He wants now to set fire to the country, provoke chaos, and drive Moldova into international isolation" AFP / BOGDAN TUDOR

Protesters also called for Sandu to be inaugurated on December 10, the day the consitutional court is expected to officially confirm her victory. Her inauguration is currently scheduled for two weeks later.

"We cannot wait for the inauguration of the president on December 24," said opposition lawmaker and deputy speaker of parliament Alexandru Slusari.

"Igor Dodon will plunder the whole country in these two or three weeks."

Speaking at Sunday's rally, Sandu reiterated her call for the government to resign and for early parliamentary elections.

"Igor Dodon does not want to admit defeat," she told the crowd. "He wants now to set fire to the country, provoke chaos, drive Moldova into international isolation!"

During his four years in power, he received strong backing from Moscow and supported closer ties with Russia.

Sandu promised during her campaign to battle corruption in the former Soviet country of 3.5 million people, which is one of the poorest in Europe.

Wedged between Ukraine and NATO member Romania, with which it shares a common language, Moldova has long been divided over closer ties with the European Union or maintaining traditional ties with Moscow.

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