Sandu: Moldova’s EU Integration Depends on the Withdrawal of Russian Troops and the Cleansing of the Political Class in Gagauzia

The Republic of Moldova’s path to unification and further European integration requires different approaches for two key regions – Transnistria and the autonomous region of Gagauzia. This was stated by President Maia Sandu on Moldova 1 television. We need to restore trust in Gagauzia According to the head of state, relations with Gagauzia have been undermined in recent years due to the rhetoric of local politicians who have built their popularity on confrontation with the central government, reports deschide.md. “For many years, local leaders have been telling people that Chisinau is their enemy, that they can only live with dignity if Moldova is under Russian control. We have not been present enough there, unlike the politicians who spread this animosity,” Sandu noted. She stressed the need to engage in direct dialogue with the region’s residents and support honest leaders in order to ensure Gagauzia’s access to national and international funds. “We want people to understand that if some politicians were punished for buying votes, it was not because they are Gagauz, but because selling votes is illegal. The sooner the local political scene is cleaned up, the more projects and funding the region will be able to receive,” the president said. Transnistria: withdrawal of troops and gradual reintegration With regard to Transnistria, Sandu said that the peaceful withdrawal of Russian troops was a priority, after which integration could begin in various sectors, including the economic, banking, social and others. “People need to see that the standard of living is higher on the right bank and that we can offer them better prospects than the current regime,” she explained. Dependence on the international context The president stressed that the support of external partners remains key both in terms of troop withdrawal and financing reintegration.