
The Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, commonly known as Transnistria, and also known as Pridnestrovie, is an unrecognized state located along the Dniester River between Ukraine and Moldova, with its capital at Tiraspol. The state was proclaimed on 2 September 1990 in response to the Moldovan government's secession from the Soviet Union and its anti-Russian laws; the Russians of Pridnestrovie sought to remain citizens of a Soviet republic, and they declared independence rather than risk Moldova rejoining Romania. In the ensuing war with Moldova, Pridnestrovie managed to maintain its de facto independence with assistance from the Russian Army, and the statelet continues to exist under Russian protection. In 2015, Pridnestrovie had a population of 475,665 people, with 33.8% being Russians, 33.2% Romanians (Moldovans), 26.7% Ukrainians, 2.7% Bulgarians, and 3.6% others.
Transnistria has a significant population of ethnic Russians and Ukrainians, who felt more aligned with Russia than with the predominantly Romanian-speaking Moldovan population. This ethnic diversity contributed to fears of marginalization in a post-independence Moldova. The region had been part of the Soviet Union and retained strong historical, cultural, and economic ties to Russia. Many residents viewed Moldova's movement towards independence as a threat to their identity and interests. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to political chaos in Moldova. The rise of nationalist sentiments in Moldova exacerbated tensions, prompting Transnistria to seek independence to maintain its political and social order. The Moldovan government’s attempts to promote the Romanian language and identity were perceived as threatening by Transnistrians, leading to a desire for self-determination.
At the time of the USSR's dissolution, there was a notable communist sentiment in Transnistria. Many residents were nostalgic for the stability and order of the Soviet era, and this sentiment was reinforced by the leadership of Igor Smirnov, a former Soviet official who became the de facto president of Transnistria. Transnistria has cultivated a distinct identity that leans heavily on Soviet symbols and narratives. Statues of Lenin and Soviet-era insignia are common, reinforcing a sense of belonging to the Soviet past. The region maintained a command economy reminiscent of the Soviet system, prioritizing state control over economic activities and relying heavily on subsidies from Russia. This economic model has contributed to a lack of modernization and integration with the global economy. Transnistria has sought to align itself with Russia, fostering relationships that echo Soviet-era alliances. This neo-Soviet sentiment is evident in its foreign policy and reliance on Russian support for security and economic stability.
The "Republic" party, founded by Igor Smirnov in the early 1990s, leaned heavily on neo-Soviet ideology, promoting a return to the stability and order associated with the Soviet era. While primarily focused on preserving Transnistrian identity, the party also emphasized loyalty to Russia, advocating for stronger ties with the Russian Federation. The party supported a centralized, authoritarian political structure, suppressing dissent and limiting political pluralism. It endorsed policies reminiscent of a command economy, prioritizing state control over economic activities and maintaining Soviet-style industries. The party promoted the use of Soviet symbols and narratives, fostering a sense of nostalgia for the Soviet past among the population. The Obnovlenie (Renewal) party, which emerged later, retained a neo-Soviet outlook but was more reform-oriented compared to Smirnov's party. It advocated for modernization while still emphasizing ties to Russia and a Soviet-style identity. The party focused on practical governance issues and socio-economic reforms, aiming to improve living standards while maintaining the core elements of its neo-Soviet identity. Unlike Smirnov's party, Obnovlenie allowed for a somewhat more open political environment, although it still operated within a framework that limited genuine opposition. Obnovlenie promoted a mixed economy approach, attempting to balance state control with some elements of market reforms. While still embracing Soviet symbols, Obnovlenie sought to connect with newer generations, incorporating elements that resonated with contemporary socio-political contexts. Both parties exhibited authoritarian tendencies, but Smirnov's "Republic" party was more rigid in its adherence to traditional Soviet structures and ideologies. In contrast, Obnovlenie was more flexible and pragmatic, adapting to contemporary challenges. Soviet-era communism emphasized complete state ownership and control. In contrast, Obnovlenie's mixed economy approach reflects a recognition of the need for some market mechanisms and modernization efforts, even while maintaining significant state control. Smirnov's party was primarily focused on creating a distinct Transnistrian identity that was explicitly tied to the Soviet past. Obnovlenie, while still emphasizing a Soviet identity, seeks to incorporate elements that appeal to a broader base, including younger generations who may not share the same historical experiences.