CHISINAU. Dec 3 (Interfax) - Vehicle traffic through the center of the Moldovan capital Chisinau came to a halt on Thursday because of an ongoing opposition protest, with buses and trolleybuses currently using a route bypassing Stefan cel Mare Avenue.
Crowds of demonstrators have filled the park in front of the parliamentary headquarters, as well as the sidewalk and the road between the parliamentary building and the presidential administration. The organizers have estimated turnout at the protest at more than 10,000 people, while the police said that around 1,000 people are taking part in the protest. Experts, in turn, have noted that at least 5,000 people are needed in order to paralyze traffic and fill the park outside the parliament building.
Protesters are chanting slogans in support of the country's President-elect Maia Sandu and against incumbent President Igor Dodon. They demand that bills aimed at limiting the powers of the president-elect and other bills submitted to parliament by the coalition of the Party of Socialists and the Shor Party faction be removed from the parliamentary agenda.
Clashes between MPs from the parliamentary majority and the opposition broke out in the Moldovan parliament earlier today, when the Party of Socialists and Shor Party faction tried to resume a parliamentary session after it was adjourned.
More people are arriving at the area outside the parliamentary building. Sandu's supporters are taking part in the protest. Sandu earlier addressed demonstrators, demanding an early parliamentary election and the government's resignation.