The pro-Russian regional assembly of Gagauzia approved the result of the local leader’s election, which will lead to a clash of opinions with the European-oriented government, writes Reuters.
Moldova, which lies between Ukraine and Romania, has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of trying to undermine President Maia Sandu’s administration.
A new bashkan, or leader, was elected in the southern region of Moldova in Gagauzia, and only pro-Russian candidates participated in the election, so it is understandable that the region will want to strengthen its ties with Moscow.
Moldova’s prime minister and other officials have indicated that central authorities will seek to annul the election result. Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that the results are unclear:
“The police and prosecutors have made public irregularities noted in the course of the vote.”
The new Bashkan of Gagauzia is Yevgeniya Gutul, who wants to continue the friendship with Moscow. She represents the party of pro-Kremlin businessman Ilan Shor, which has been staging anti-government protests in Moldova for months demanding Sandu’s resignation.
When the Assembly of Gagauzia confirmed the election results in an open vote, hundreds of protestors gathered in front of the building, calling to get rid of the dictatorship and Maia Sanda.
It is expected that the Constitutional Court of Moldova will issue an order banning the Shor party on Wednesday, the 17th of May. Shor, who currently resides in Israel, was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison in April for his involvement in thefts from Moldovan banks in 2014-2015.
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