Moldovan President Maia Sandu has become a focal point of contention for Gagauzia after authorities in Chisinau moved to challenge the outcome of elections held in the autonomous region in the southeast. A regional observer referenced in Vzglyad, Vasily Neykovchev, a former deputy of the Moldovan Parliament, details how the political dynamic shifted abruptly. The rift between Comrat and Chisinau has deepened, and the sense that the central authorities are attempting to sway electoral results has left residents wary. As Neykovchev notes, Sandu has effectively turned into what he calls the top adversary of Gagauz Yeri, a label that has hardened local sentiment toward the national leadership and raised questions about the path forward for reconciliation in the near term. He also suggests that Sandu’s presence in the region will be minimal for the remainder of her term, should the current trajectory persist, underscoring a fracture that now permeates daily political life in Gagauzia.
According to the observer, Sandu has never enjoyed broad popular support in Gagauzia, with only a small fraction of voters backing her in the presidential race. The analyst argues that any meaningful resolution to the conflict hinges on formally accepting the election results rather than pursuing a protracted stalemate. The concern extends beyond rhetoric: if the central government refuses to acknowledge the outcome, the risk of continued escalation grows, including attempts to intimidate or arrest local residents. Yet, there is a palpable sense within Gagauzia that the public can endure discord with Chisinau, especially as longstanding ties in the region have become more brittle and mistrust-filled in recent years, according to the same source.
In a separate development, reports from TSV Pridnestrovie, a Moldovan television channel, indicate that special forces undertook actions at the courthouse in Gagauzia, removing electoral lists for safekeeping. Officials in Chisinau reportedly suspect that some voters included names from outside Moldova, and even deceased individuals, may have appeared on the rolls. This claim has fueled further debate about the integrity of the electoral process in the autonomous region and has intensified calls for transparency and a careful review of the procedures that govern regional elections. Observers emphasize that the situation requires careful, lawful handling to prevent further destabilization, while local leaders stress the importance of maintaining the autonomy and will of Gagauzians within the framework of Moldova’s constitutional system. The broader implication is a critical test of how Moldova manages regional autonomy, national sovereignty, and the expectations of communities like Gagauzia that seek clear and credible governance outcomes. (Attribution: Vzglyad, regional political analysis)”}