Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The leader of the autonomous region of Gagauzia in Moldova has not ruled out a referendum on the country’s EU accession.
Speaking in Brussels, Yevgenia Gutsul was asked about the decision last week by the EU to grant accession talks to Moldova.
On this, she was slightly ambivalent but noted: “In a 2014 referendum a total of 96 percent of those who voted said that if Moldova chose the path towards membership of the EU and then loses its independence then Gagauzia reserves the right to its independence.” She added, “I want us to remain friends with everyone but maybe we should have another referendum to find out what people want?”
She told reporters at the Brussels press club that the region’s revenue had been slashed by the equivalent of €7 million.
“As a result, we now see threats to regional social programs, including help to the elderly and the young.”
The authorities, she said, had also imposed “artificial obstacles” to the autonomous status of Gagauzia.
“They are also trying to impede gas supplies to the region.” Turning to the region’s traditional and historical links to Russia, she said, “We are not necessarily pro-Russian. We are pro-Moldova and want to be friends with those from all over the world, including the EU.
“We want warm and friendly relations with everyone and are ready to meet representatives from the EU and also want to work with all the citizens of Moldova.”
She also noted that the region’s border was close “to where a war and a horrible conflict is raging” and that “Moldova has received tens of thousands of refugees from Ukraine.”
“Our main aim is to preserve peace but Moldova should remain neutral.”
Her primary current task she said is the economic “crisis” facing the region, saying that most live in poverty, especially the old. Energy prices have grown by 36 pc but pensions have risen by only 18 percent while food and basic supplies are becoming increasingly difficult to access.
“This is the reality of the region.”
Gutsul, who will serve a 4-year term, said that in her first 100 days in power in a region known as the “land of dreams,” she had overseen the development of infrastructure such as road building.
She told reporters “We have overcome problems in the past without bloodshed and we can do it again. Five months ago when the public elected me they did so because they thought we could make Gagauzia prosperous and my first aim is to have our citizens change their lives for the better.”
