On January 20, Hraparak.am reported (archive) on a statement made by former Moldovan President Maia Sandu, in which she said she would vote in favour of unification with neighbouring European Union and NATO member Romania if a referendum were to take place.
Speaking about Chisinau’s process of integration into Romania, the media outlet reported that in 2023, Moldovan schools began teaching the subject “History of the Romanians.”
“In 2023, the Moldovan Parliament approved renaming the Moldovan language to Romanian, and the subject ‘History of the Romanians’ was introduced in schools,” wrote Ara Aloyan in his article.
The fact-checking team at Media.am, “Verified,” determined that this information is incorrect.
In Moldova, the history textbook has been titled “Romanian and World History” since 2012. This change, implemented by Moldovan Education Minister Mihail Sleahtitchi, took effect starting from the 2012-2013 academic year.
Additionally, since gaining independence in 1991, the textbook has primarily been referred to as “History of the Romanians” (Istoria Românilor), highlighting the shared past of Romania and Moldova.
Natalia Porubin, the Secretary General at the Ministry of Education of Moldova, told us, “From 2003 to 2012, History of Romanians and Universal History were merged into History, keeping 60% for Romanian History. Since 2012, the subject has been titled ‘Universal and Romanian History.'”
Moldova was part of Romania until 1940, when the Soviet Union annexed it. Romanian was established as an official language in the 1991 Declaration of Independence.
The textbook’s title has always been on the political agenda. Some forces demand the “History of Moldova” (Istoria Moldovei) version, while others advocate the “History of the Romanians” (Istoria Romanilor).
According to the 2024 census, 77.2% of Moldova’s population is ethnic Moldovan, while 7.9% identify as Romanian. The distinction between these two identities is often arbitrary.
