IPN analysis: While society is following the soap opera about the formation of the new government coalition, with little breaks in which it learns about the national currency's exchange rate, Gagauzia celebrated one of its main holidays – the anniversary of the formation of the Gagauz autonomy within the Republic of Moldova.
An event with a national impact
In all truth, the adoption by the Parliament of the Law on the special legal status of Gagauzia was an event with a national impact. The country that had lost control over its territory on the left bank of the Nistru was able on December 23, 1994, to bring back into its constitutional territory a region that leaned towards independence. Although this may not be considered a day of celebration for the whole country, nobody can doubt that it's a positive landmark in Moldova's modern history.
However, the central authorities chose to ignore this year's festivity in Gagauzia, even though it marked the 20th anniversary of the autonomy. From the whole government, the only one to attend the ceremony was Leonid Bujor, counselor of the Prime Minister, who read a message from Iurie Leanca.
Instead, the Gagauz were happy to see Mircea Snegur, the first President of Moldova. Even he is no longer a high-ranking dignitary, the former head of state became the main guest of the festivity as he was the one who signed the Law creating the Gagauz autonomy 20 years ago.
Holiday of wisdom
Today, it's hard to say for sure what motivated the Moldovan leaders back then – the wish to prevent “a second Transnistria” in the south, the pressure of external agencies in favor recognizing the autonomy, or goodwill and the understanding that the recognition of the Gagauz people's cultural and political rights is the only solution for a modern state and a European nation. Nearly everyone who spoke during the festivity emphasized the latter aspect.
According to Mr. Snegur, history has proven the wisdom of the solution chosen then by Moldovan leaders to stabilize the situation in the southern region. “The basis of this stabilization was the wisdom of the Gagauz people. I have deep respect for the Gagauz, who saw the formation of the autonomy as a path towards peace”, said the ex-President.
Mihai Formuzal, bashkhan of Gagauzia, said that Mircea Snegur and the authorities of the unrecognized Republic of Gagauzia became part of history thanks to their wisdom and unity that allowed the Gagauz people to live in peace and understanding.
It's true that the exchange of praise and pleasantries about “wisdom” are typical of the anniversaries of the Gagauz autonomy. However, such verbal cordiality is almost totally lacking over the other 364 days of the year.
Conflicts in ordinary days
It's no secret that there are many conflicts between the administration of th autonomy and the central authorities. Contradictory situations often arise during the implementation of government programs. They are unavoidable and the local authorities from all the Moldovan districts are familiar with them. One such case is the construction of the Comrat-Ciumai road, when the Gagauz authorities complained about the deadline that wasn't met and the poor quality of the road.
Sometimes, the conflicts are of a more political or ideological nature, when the focus is not on the implementation of one reform or another, but the subordination to the state authorities or even the country's official external direction. A good example in this regard is the laughable local referendum that showed Gagauzia's disapproval of Moldova's path towards European integration.
The Gagauz are also discussing among themselves many issues that they consider essential, given their special legal and political status, but that will certainly be resisted by Chisinau. For example, an important goal for the local clergy is to create a separate Gagauz eparchy within the Moldovan Metropolitan Church of the Russian Orthodox Church. This aspiration is endorsed by many Orthodox churchgoers and the Gagauz political leadership has recently announced its support in this regard.
There are many other examples when the interests of Comrat and Chisinau are in conflict and a mutually acceptable solution doesn't seem attainable in either verbal negotiations or legal disputes. We can only hope the wisdom celebrated in Gagauzia on December 23 of every year truly exists.
Veaceslav Craciun, IPN
