Moldova language debate persists amid political disputes

Political discourse in Moldova continues to revolve around the debate over the state language. While some politicians, such as former President Igor Dodon and Victoria Furtună, promote the term ‘Moldovan language’ based on historical and traditional arguments, the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova officially recognizes ‘Romanian language’ as the state language following a 2023 amendment.

This narrative is also supported by external actors, including Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zaharova. Despite claims that the Constitution mandates the use of the term ‘Moldovan,’ legal precedents and the current fundamental law establish Romanian as the official designation.