Dodon to Romanian Media: “With All Due Respect, the State Language Is Moldovan”

In a recent interview with Romanian media, the leader of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), Igor Dodon, reaffirmed his position that the state language of Moldova remains “Moldovan”. “According to Article 13 of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova (prior to the 2024 amendment), the state language is Moldovan. This position remains unchanged,” Dodon emphasized, as reported by stiri.md citing hotnews.ro. When asked during the interview which language was being used in the conversation, Dodon replied: “Of course, Moldovan and Romanian are similar – that’s obvious. We understand each other. But my position remains the same.” The former president tied the language issue to questions of sovereignty and national identity, expressing strong opposition to the idea of unification with Romania: “The only matter that truly concerns me in Moldovan-Romanian relations is the idea of unification. When it’s claimed that this territory is part of Romania – we cannot accept that. We have our own state, and we value it.” Dodon reiterated that his party advocates for preserving the independence of the Republic of Moldova, with its own symbols, institutions, and values: “We respect Romania and hope to be respected in return. Let’s reduce interference in the domestic politics of other countries – something unfortunately practiced by politicians in both Romania and Moldova.” His remarks come in the context of a constitutional amendment adopted in March 2023, which formally changed the name of the state language in Moldova from “Moldovan” to “Romanian”.