Politics

29 July, 2026 / 19:35

/ 19 April, 2025

Moldovan head of state delivers message on Famine of 1946 – 1947

President Maia Sandu has conveyed a message in the context of commemorating the victims of the famine caused by the Soviet regime in 1946 – 1947.

"Our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents had even their last grain of wheat taken from their attics, leaving them to die of hunger. This was a deliberate gesture, a barbaric way of subjugating the population," the head of state said.

The Moldovan president noted that, for decades, this tragedy had been passed over in silence. But collective memory cannot be erased and the truth must be told, Maia Sandu stressed.

"We cannot build a just future without acknowledging the injustices of the past and without keeping alive the memory of the hundreds of thousands of people killed by this crime. Hunger did not ask what language its victims spoke or what blood they carried," said the head of state.

The president emphasized that the country’s duty, as a united society, was to defend the truth, stand on the side of good and build the future with dignity, in peace, in a Moldova where such horrors will never again be possible.

According to the National Archives Agency, the famine of 1946-1947 was one of the greatest humanitarian catastrophes which hit the current territory of the Republic of Moldova in the 20th century. It was not an unavoidable natural disaster, but a tragedy exacerbated by the authoritarian and repressive policies of the Soviet regime. According to data provided by the National Archives Agency, in just a few months, more than123,000 people died of hunger, accounting for about 5 per cent of the population of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic. Proportionally, Soviet Moldova was the worst hit region in the entire Soviet Union, with a death rate ten times higher than in Russia and five times higher than in Ukraine.

Comment

Latest News

Moldova's opposition protests against gas tariff increases

Moldovan parliament speaker says agriculture minister had honorable resignation

Moldovan agriculture minister submits application on resignation

Moldovan lawmakers to convene at plenary meeting on July 24; agenda includes 23 draft laws, including 12 with EU label

China proposes deepening defense cooperation with Moldova, in the name of peace, development

Moldovan parliament takes note of MP's resignation

Moldovan parliament speaker comments on raids at MoldAtsa state enterprise

Moldovan MPs ratify Convention allowing Ukraine to claim compensation from Russian Federation for war damages

Moldovan deputy PM, Dutch Ambassador discuss evolution of relations between Moldova and the Netherlands, security cooperation

Moldovan Foreign Affairs Ministry advises avoiding non-essential travel to Russia amid heightened security risks

VIDEO // Moldova's foreign affairs minister says relationship with Russia complicated, approach stays based on international law

Voluntary amalgamation in central Moldova district: six mayoralties merge, to receive 40.8 million lei for development

Moldovan MPs to convene at plenary meeting on July 23; drafts on energy, justice, school infrastructure on agenda

PHOTO GALLERY // First meeting of Moldova's Tofan government in pictures: priorities, decisions, atmosphere at start of new cabinet

Young people willing to continue studies at Moldova's universities to be able to choose six new specialties

Independence that Unites Us: Moldovan government approves schedule of events dedicated to 35the anniversary of Independence

About 85 per cent of Moldova's mayoralties start voluntary amalgamation: normative amalgamation begins in next August

Chisinau proposes new 1+1 negotiations; deputy PM for reintegration says he receives evasive answers or refusals

Moldovan PM requests de-bureaucratization measures for entrepreneurs

Moldova denounces Commonwealth of Independent States agreement on cooperation in information field

New rules for authorizing strategic transport infrastructure projects in Moldova

More investment opportunities, agriculture's modernization through Moldova's Orchard II project

New measures taken in Moldova for energy renovation of residential apartment buildings

Moldova to mark 35th anniversary of Declaration of Independence with string of events

State to cover half of expenses of companies training students through dual education in Moldova

Medicine stocks of Moldova to be monitored daily at national level

State aid for companies involved in dual education: Moldovan government improves mechanism

Moldova's Constitution Day: updated edition of Supreme Law, published by AIS MOLDPRES, available at Agency’s headquarters, at government’s branded merchandise store

Emilia Cebotari appointed deputy secretary general of Moldova's government

Moldova to create information system for monitoring medicine stocks

See more