Protesters break into Moldovan parliament

Moldovan lawmakers on Wednesday approved a new government headed by a pro-European premier amid chaotic scenes as angry protestors entered parliament and opposition legislators tried to block the vote.

That came after 15 people were injured, including nine police officers, in scuffles between police and protesters who had stormed the Parliament.

Moldova’s ruling elite has been the target of constant anti-government protests following a media report of a $1.5 billion banking fraud prior to 2014 parliamentary elections.

Several dozen people managed to break into the Parliament, after breaking the improvised protection barrier set up by the police forces.

Some of the protesters Wednesday believe the new government is a compromise solution which will not tackle endemic corruption and undertake reforms, while others oppose a pro-European government and think Moldova should remain in Russia’s orbit.

The protesters broke through police lines, says the BBC, and tear gas was reportedly used.

Some police officers were beaten by the demonstrators, six of whom were later treated for non-life threatening injuries at the Chisinau Municipal Emergency Hospital, said Eufalia Negreata, a doctor.

Moldova is one of Europe’s poorest countries and has been locked in political turmoil since the disappearance of some $1bn (£710m) from the banking system in 2014.

“The United States urges the protesters and police in Chisinau to keep calm”, according to the US Embassy in Chisinau.

Seeking to end a prolonged stalemate, a majority of deputies backed former IT minister Pavel Filip as candidate for prime minister.

The third try was held amid protests by the pro-Russian opposition Socialists, who attempted to postpone the vote and heckled lawmakers during the parliament session. The previous government, led by former Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet, collapsed October 29, 2015 after Strelet lost a no-confidence vote over allegations of corruption.

“It is a mockery to form a government responsible for our lives and destiny in such a short time, while seeing so many gathered outside the windows and walls of parliament”.