Yevgenia Gutsul, Governor of Moldova’s Gagauzia region, recently visited Moscow for a congress supporting Moldova’s entry into the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), alongside other Moldovan political figures, including members of the “Renewal” and VICTORIE parties.
The EAEU aims to promote economic integration and includes members like Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.
Gagauzia is an autonomous region in southern Moldova, home to the Turkic-speaking Gagauz people. It is known for its historical pro-Russian stance, contrasting with the current central government’s pro-European orientation. The region and its leadership, including Gutsul, have frequently expressed preferences for closer ties with Moscow, evidenced by Gutsul’s multiple visits to Russia and demands for Russian language recognition in Moldova.
Gutsul has opposed certain judicial reforms proposed by Moldova’s central government and advocated for the Russian language to be granted co-official status in Gagauzia. Gutsul, elected under the banner of the now-banned pro-Russian Shor Party, faces opposition from Moldovan President Maia Sandu who has not officially recognized her role in the local government.
This congress in Moscow comes as Moldova gears up for a presidential election and a referendum to decide on joining the European Union in October 2024.
