Moldovan parliament approves Romanian language amendment in first reading

Moldovan lawmakers have approved the first reading of a bill that will introduce the syntagma "Romanian language" in all official pieces of legislation during a stormy session that led to scuffles between the parliamentary majority and the opposition pro-Russian bloc. The bill, introduced by pro-Western President Maia Sandu's ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), was voted in favor of by 56 lawmakers in the 101-member parliament. The term "Romanian language" is intended to replace the currently used "Moldovan language," "official language," "state language," and "maternal language" in the constitution and all official documents. More than 80 percent of Moldovans speak Romanian as their mother tongue. The naming of the country's official language is a hot political topic with "Romanian" favored by those who want closer relations or even unification with Romania, a European Union and NATO member. Meanwhile, pro-Russians such as former President Igor Dodon want to keep the official language name "Moldovan," even though Moldovan isn't actually considered a language.
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