Gagauzia Bashkan election sparks accusations of political betrayal
Ilia Uzun, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of Gagauzia, has accused Igor Dodon and his Party of Socialists of helping the governing Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) take control of the autonomous region by clearing the way for Alexandr Stoianoglo to become Bashkan.
In a video address, Uzun alleged that Socialist representatives in the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia supported the removal of the legally elected Bashkan, Evghenia Guțul, allowing preparations for an early election to proceed.
He accused Dodon of publicly defending Guțul while members of his party worked to remove her from office.
“Dodon stands beside the Gagauzia monument shouting that his party opposes the removal of Evghenia Alexandrovna and that she has every legal right to defend herself before the Supreme Court of Justice. Meanwhile, Grigory Uzun heads the Socialist faction in Gagauzia and instructs its members to vote to declare the Bashkan’s office vacant.”
According to Uzun, the manoeuvre is intended to secure the election of a candidate acceptable to PAS, while also removing a potential competitor from future presidential elections.
“Igor Nikolaevich, you are helping PAS get its own obedient Bashkan – Alexandr Stoianoglo. If Stoianoglo becomes Bashkan, he will no longer take part in the presidential election.”
The allegation suggests a political arrangement between the Socialists and the governing party, despite their public rivalry. Uzun also cited the joint boycott of the 2024 referendum, portraying it as part of an alleged understanding between Dodon and President Maia Sandu.
His claims have not been accompanied by evidence establishing that such an agreement exists, but they reflect deepening divisions over the future leadership of Gagauzia.
Uzun challenges former Bashkan over silence on Guțul
Uzun also criticised former Gagauz Bashkan Dumitru Croitor, accusing him of remaining silent while the status of the autonomous region’s elected leader was being challenged.
“I am addressing Dumitru Vasilievich Croitor. Aren’t you ashamed? Why are you remaining silent about Evghenia Alexandrovna?”
The politician argued that Croitor, who had previously enjoyed broad support in the autonomy, had abandoned the interests of its residents after taking up a diplomatic position in Switzerland.
“Croitor went off to rest on his laurels as a diplomat in Switzerland. Today, the first person who should be defending the status of Bashkan is Croitor himself. But he remains silent. Everyone knows that Evghenia Alexandrovna is innocent and has broken no laws. Evghenia has shown herself to be a woman of strong character who has neither sold out nor betrayed her people.”
These statements reflect Uzun’s position on Guțul’s imprisonment and the legitimacy of the proceedings against her, rather than an established legal finding. The former Bashkan’s detention remains a highly contentious issue in the autonomy, with her supporters describing the case as politically motivated and demanding her release.
Rival candidates accused of uniting against Fiodor Gagauz
Turning to the forthcoming Gagauzia Bashkan election, Uzun claimed that most prospective candidates have avoided defending Guțul because they are working together to prevent Fiodor Gagauz from winning. He singled out Cornel Dudnic as the only candidate willing to speak publicly in her defence.
“Of the candidates for Bashkan, only Cornel Dudnic dared to speak about Evghenia Guțul, saying that she should be released, that she is being held illegally in prison and that she is a mother of two children. The others remain silent. Why? Seven candidates have united and are working against Fiodor Nikodimovich Gagauz.”
The accusations portray the election as more than a contest between individual candidates. In Uzun’s account, the struggle for the Bashkan’s office involves competing political interests, alleged agreements between nominal opponents and efforts to marginalise those continuing to support Guțul.
His criticism of Dodon is particularly pointed because it challenges the Socialists’ public opposition to PAS. If the party’s representatives helped declare the Bashkan’s office vacant, Uzun argues, their actions contradict their stated support for the imprisoned leader.
For now, the alleged coordination between PAS, the Socialists and other candidates remains Uzun’s accusation. He has not established that Stoianoglo has been selected through any agreement between the parties. Uzun concluded his address by announcing that he would present his final position on the forthcoming vote next week.
