Moldova schedules national dictation for Romanian Language Day, drawing criticism from former constitutional court chief

The Moldovan government announced that the concert traditionally held for Romanian Language Day on 31 August will be replaced by a mass spelling‑beef event called “Marea Dictare Națională.” The decision, presented as a budgetary measure, was defended by government spokespeople and mayor Ion Ceban, who said the usual celebrations will still take place. Former president of the Constitutional Court, Alexandru Tănase, criticised the change, arguing that it downplays the historic significance of the day, which marks the 1989 protests for the Latin alphabet and Romanian language rights. Tănase said, “Nu am nimic împotriva Marii Dictări Naționale,” but warned that reducing the holiday to a grammar exercise risks eroding its identity‑related meaning.