The government continues to cooperate with the citizens of Gagauzia, including those from Comrat, Ceadar-Lunga, and Vulcanesti districts, just as with all other citizens of the country, investing in infrastructure, salaries, and pensions. Despite local officials’ claims, it is the central authorities that fund the development of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (UTAG) through major investments in infrastructure, water and sewage systems, renewable energy, business, and tourism, allocating hundreds of millions of lei from the state budget, even though the region does not contribute to this budget. The statement was made by the government spokesperson, Daniel Voda, in response to the demands formulated at the Congress of deputies from all levels held in Comrat, IPN reports.
“The criminal group Shor has taken over some institutions in the region. Justice must deliver clear results – all those who break the law, whether in Comrat, Orhei, Chisinau, or other localities, must be held accountable, including for corruption, vote-buying, and political blackmail,” stated Daniel Voda.
The refusal to include the Governor of Gagauzia in the government is not a political decision but one based on adherence to the law, the spokesperson explained, adding that Prime Minister Dorin Recean has clarified the decision publicly. Specifically, there is evidence that the elections in UTAG were rigged, and until this situation is resolved, individuals with foreign interests cannot be allowed into the government.
“Central authorities recognize and respect the region’s autonomy, but this does not mean they must accept illegal practices or attempts at destabilization. Claims about a lack of recognition of autonomy are completely unfounded,” Daniel Voda noted.
Regarding the opening of direct Chisinau-Moscow flights, Voda stated that the decision rests with the central authorities and must be analyzed in the context of national interest and the country’s security.
“As for the alleged exchange between renouncing cooperation with Russia and including the Governor of Gagauzia in the government, this is false. The government consistently demands respect for the law in public administration. Moreover, the country’s foreign policy is exclusively the prerogative of the central authorities,” added Daniel Voda.
The “full and unconditional realization of Gagauzia’s competencies” was demanded at the Congress of deputies from all levels, held on Saturday, February 15, in Comrat. On one hand, delegates called for dialogue, while on the other, they insisted that Maia Sandu “is not a legitimate president” and that members of the ruling PAS party are “traitors.” Gagauzia’s Governor, Evghenia Gutul, threatened Chisinau, stating that Gagauz leaders would reach out to their “friends” in Russia and Turkey to inform them about the “aggressive pressure” they are subjected to and the “criminal regime in Chisinau”.
