In front of the former Gaudeamus cinema on Vasile Alecsandri Street in Chișinău stands the sculptural composition “Fighters for Soviet Power.” According to official records, the monument was erected in 1966 by sculptor Lazar Dubinovschi and architect Feodor Petrovich Naumov.
The monument was dedicated to those who, according to Soviet historiography, fought and died for the establishment of Soviet power in Moldova. Its unveiling was planned in connection with the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the founding of Chișinău. It was reportedly initiated and financed by the youth of the Moldavian SSR as a tribute to young patriots who died in the struggle for freedom in Moldova.
The composition consists of a rectangular pedestal of dark red granite, approximately 11 metres high, topped by a 3-metre bronze figure of a worker. The raised clenched fist symbolizes the struggle for the happiness of the Moldovan people. At the base are bas-reliefs depicting scenes of the struggle for Soviet power in Moldova.
The monument bears the Russian inscription “Борцам за власть Советов” and the Moldavian Cyrillic inscription “Липтоторилор пентру путерия советикэ,” both meaning “To the fighters for Soviet power.”
The monument still stands in its original location in the square in front of the former Gaudeamus cinema in central Chișinău. It remains one of the surviving examples of Soviet-era monumental art in the city.
In 2008, the monument was placed under state protection. Until 2018, it was classified as a national monument of art in the Register of Monuments Protected by the State of the Republic of Moldova. In 2018, it was transferred to the Register of Public Monuments, which was created that same year.
In April 2023, the monument suffered partial damage when several stone slabs detached from the pedestal, affecting the inscription. Following an inspection, the Agency for Inspection and Restoration of Monuments confirmed the deterioration and requested intervention from the Chișinău City Hall for restoration.
As it is situated in a public square, the monument can be viewed freely at any time of day. The elevated pedestal and bronze figure make it clearly visible from the surrounding streets.
