Pro-Moscow Gagauzia Challenges Moldova’s Pro-European Government

The pro-European government of Moldova is facing a new challenge from the pro-Moscow Gagauzia region, as tensions rise over proposed judicial reforms and demands for enhanced status for the Russian language.

Gagauzia, home to 140,000 mainly ethnic Turks who adhere to Orthodox Christianity, has had a strained relationship with central authorities since Moldova gained independence from Soviet rule in 1991. The local assembly in Gagauzia recently rejected judicial reforms that would close an appeal court in the region and called for special status for the Russian language, in addition to Moldova’s state language, Romanian.

President Maia Sandu has refused to sign a decree allowing Gagauzia’s leader, Yevgenia Gutul, to be a member of the government, citing Gutul’s ties to a banned pro-Russian political party led by convicted fraudster Ilan Shor. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has supported the judicial reforms, stating that they are necessary to root out criminal elements in the region.

Sandu has identified Russia as a major threat to Moldova and has called for a referendum on joining the European Union, along with a presidential election later in the year. Gutul, on the other hand, has expressed skepticism about the EU plan and has sought support from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Political analyst Vitalie Andrievschi believes that Gagauzia’s demands, including the push for greater recognition of the Russian language, are part of a campaign backed by the Kremlin and Shor to destabilize Moldova ahead of the upcoming elections.

As tensions escalate between the pro-European government and the pro-Moscow region, the future of Moldova hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.