The protestors in Moldova carried banners reading "Stop the Red Terror!" and "The Communists are Terrorists". Their anger was directed at the Communist government's pro-Russian policies.

The demonstrations, initially dominated by young people, began in January as an outcry against plans to force children to learn Russian in schools and to rewrite history textbooks. But the protests have since shifted focus to call for the government's resignation.

An estimated 70,000 people poured into Chisinau's central square for the peaceful demonstration on Sunday. It was the largest public protest since this small country of four million people gained independence in 1991.

People want ties to the West

One of the poorest nations in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a communist as its president in 2001. The Communists control more than two-thirds of parliament and all ministerial posts.

But most Moldovans are ethnic Romanians and share cultural and linguistic links with their neighbor. Young people in particular believe Moldova would have a better future tied to western Europe.

The current protests are being driven by the nationalist Christian Democratic People's party. Its leader, Yurie Rosca, told the cheering crowd the rallies will continue until the government falls. "We will keep protesting as long as is necessary to bring down this dictatorial regime," he shouted from a stage erected in front of the parliament building.

The government has in the meantime backed down on its language and history textbook plans. But President Vladimir Voronin warned that "extremism and nationalism are sweeping Moldova".

Economic failure looms

The Communists came into power after a landslide election victory driven by promises to fight poverty. President Voronin has preserved wages and raised pensions, but has failed to persuade global lenders to release vital funds. Four-fifths of the population live on less than a dollar a day.

Analysts say the country is facing economic collapse. Many feel Moldova is heading for a complete debt default and will need bailing out.

The International Monetary Fund and World Bank have held onto their cash, worried about the slow pace of reform, as well as the recent resignation of the economic and finance ministers. They were the only non-Communists in the government.