The campaign preceding the elections to choose the Bashkan (Governor) of Gagauzia takes place in a harsh manner, with the candidates using all the resources they have to win the elections, contender Dumitru Croitor has told IPN.
He noted that some of the candidates are trying to mislead the voters. They appear alongside foreign politicians to suggest that they enjoy their support. On the other hand, foreign officials and diplomats, such as Russia’s ambassador to Moldova, said that Russia does not support a particular candidate and is ready to work with the future Bashkan.
Among the priorities of his electoral program, Dumitru Croitor mentioned the creation of well-paid jobs, the development of winegrowing and fruit growing, which are two key areas in Gagauzia, building of greenhouses and animal breeding complexes, and opening of industrial companies. The people working abroad will return home only if these tasks are carried out.
As regards the relations with the central authorities of Moldova, the candidate said these must be based on a constructive dialogue. Gagauzia is part of Moldova and all the problems must be solved in concert.
As to the external course, Dumitru Croitor said that in the referendum held last year, 98% of Gagauzia’s population voted for keeping and developing the relations of friendship with Russia and this thing should scare no one. The economic and commercial relations with Russia must be fully restored in the near future so as to obtain a chance to revitalize the economy.
The elections in Gagauzia will take place on March 22. After two registered candidates withdrew, the race for the post of Bashkan now includes the following contenders: Valerii Ianioglo, Ruslan Garbaly, Nicolae Dudoglo, Irina Vlah, Oleg Garizan, Alexandru Stoianoglo, Serghei Chernev, Dumitru Croitor, Ilia Anastasov, and Leonid Dobrov.
