Clash of Marches: Tensions Rise in Chișinău During Pride and "Family" Protests

Chișinău, Moldova witnessed a clash between opposing groups on June 15, 2025, during simultaneous "Family March" and Pride parades. The "Family March," organized by the Socialist Party and supported by Orthodox Christians, resulted in tense standoffs with Pride marchers near the intersection of Mitropolit Gavriil, Bănulescu-Bodoni, and București streets. "The situation became heated quickly," said one eyewitness, who declined to be named. The video shows verbal exchanges and police intervention to prevent escalation. Police and Carabinieri created a human barricade to separate the groups and guide the Pride marchers to a different route. The event highlights the ongoing societal divisions in Moldova regarding LGBTQ+ rights and the role of religion in politics.