I've finally found an apartment that will be my home for the next four months. It is in the Embassy district and located about 5 minutes walk from the university--State University of Moldova, where I will be teaching.
Today is Independence day in Moldova. While the country has been indepedent several times in its history, it was a part of the USSR until the fall of the wall in 1991. On August 27 of that year, the Parliament declared Moldova to be an indepedent republic and that is the basis of today's celebrations. Not unlike ours, there are political speeches, some bands and dance type performances and a festive fair atmosphere for a day off work for the people. I'm including several photos for you to view.
The next few weeks are important politically for Moldova. There will be a vote on a referendum to change the constitution. Presently, the constitution requires 61/101 parliamentary votes for the parliament to elect a president. The communist party and those agreeing to back it got to 60 votes but not 61. The coalition parties got to about 53, but not 61. therefore, no president is now in charge--only an interim president.
The referendum amend the Constituion to have the people, not the parliament, select the president. You probably know that in many European countries, the parliament's majority party does select the President and even in Australia they're trying now to get a president, so this in not an isolated problem.
Anyway, the communist generally do not want direct elections and they hold 35-40 % of the vote, but that is not enough. We'll see what happens.
Chisinau is a very eco-friendly spot--many, many trees all around the city. Other recycling practice are NOT here yet.
The photos are a bit random, but I'm only here 4 days as of now and one day in my semi-permanent apartment. Th first 2 show some of the festival atmosphere, I am in # 3 with the stage in the background, 4 shows popcorn costs about $. 25 while 6 shows the little princesses are everywhere.
Hope you have a chance to see a little of my new surroundings.
Buna sera--good night!
Bill
No comments:
Post a Comment