Life in Pridnestrovie
Local politics and civil society
Local politicians join members of civil society and NGO's in festivities in Bender, the second largest city in Pridnestrovie. The country is a working example of the power of local democracy. On 27 March 2005 local democratic elections in Pridnestrovie were held to elect village, settlement, city and district councils, as well as the chairmen of village and settlement councils.
Break free, street culture
Forget Stalin, in Pridnestrovie what matters most from the past is the historical legacy of another kind: Breakdancing. This remnant of the past century is still alive and kicking in the streets of Tiraspol where b-boys and b-girls get down to the 1980's tunes of old school breakdancing classics.
There's a human life in there...
This baby, born April 9 2006 in Tiraspol, PMR, is alive today thanks to humanitarian aid from donor organizations in Europe. The incubator which saved the newborn's life was a donation by an Irish hospital which came as humanitarian aid in 2005. It is now part of the Mother and Child Hospital in Tiraspol. Previously, the hospital had no incubators.
Democracy and citizen participation
As reforms sweeps Eastern Europe, Pridnestrovie is no exception.
Ribboncutting
Local youth cut the ribbon in a symbolic event in Pridnestrovie for the raising of economic performance coupled with good social protection. The nation, independent since 1990, is active with young civil society reformers eagerly building their country.
Open air lunch
Youth from an opposition NGO in Pridnestrovie share a lunch al fresco after having campaigned together in the local democratic elections of March, 2005.
Protesting OSCE bias
During a protest in August 2005, Pridnestrovian youth trample on the flag of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) whom they accuse of a bias against Pridnestrovie's sovereignty in not recognizing the de facto independence of the country.
Office building
A typical office building, Zags, in one of the provincial towns of Pridnestrovie. Life is slow and easy-going here throughout summer.
City council in Tiraspol
In Tiraspol, capital of Pridnestrovie, the city's main municipal administration operates from this building: This is the photo of the city council of Tiraspol, headed by mayor Viktor Kostyrko. Modern Tiraspol was founded in 1792 by Imperial Russia.
Winter wedding
With the country dressed in white, local brides prefer winter weddings too. Here, a couple from Tiraspol, capital of Pridnestrovie, are on their way to church to get married. Family traditions are strong in this proud and independent European country.
