ANSA news

(ANSA-AP) - CHISINAU, Moldova — More than 15,000 people have gathered in the Moldovan capital to protest against the government, demanding early elections in the impoverished East European nation. Protesters shouted "We want the country back!" and "Unity, citizens!" in Romanian and Russian. The rally was organized by two pro-Russian parties and the civic group Dignity and Truth. The demonstrators are angry about falling living standards in the impoverished country and say pro-European parties, which have been in power since 2009, have failed to carry out reforms. They are also calling for a full inquiry into the disappearance of up to $1.5 billion from three banks prior to parliamentary elections in 2014. Sunday's protest came after demonstrators stormed Parliament last week as lawmakers approved a new pro-European government. Thousands demonstrated for three days running. (ANSA).