As reported by Logos Press, the Constitutional Court reviewed a petition from the Moldovan Ministry of Justice and ruled that several provisions of the law “On the Special Legal Status of Gagauzia” No. 344 of December 23, 1994, as inconsistent with the country’s Constitution.
At an extraordinary session on July 10, Gagauz deputies adopted a statement by the National Assembly of Gagauzia regarding the current situation with 20 votes in favor. Two elected representatives abstained from voting.
During the discussion of the draft document, criticism was directed not only at the authorities in Chisinau but also at the leadership of the autonomous region, according to Gagauzinfo. Some deputies stated that the loss of some powers should be subject to an appropriate political assessment and called for a more detailed position to be drafted on this issue.
A Dangerous Precedent
“The People’s Assembly respects the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova and recognizes the binding nature of the Constitutional Court’s decisions. At the same time, the deputies expressed their disagreement with the court’s conclusions, noting that the powers deemed unconstitutional were part of a political and legal compromise reached when the Law ‘On the Special Legal Status of Gagauzia’ was adopted,” the publication quotes Valentin Gaidarji, chairman of the autonomous region’s legislative body.
According to the People’s Assembly, the autonomy’s bodies’ participation in appointing heads of state agencies operating within Gagauzia, as well as its authority to form the autonomy’s Central Election Commission, are important elements of its special status.
“The decision adopted by the Constitutional Court on July 9 indicates the emergence of a pattern of systematic curtailment of the autonomy’s powers. This trend raises concerns about the original intent of the special legal status, undermines confidence in state guarantees, and sets a dangerous precedent,” added Gaidarji.
As Gagauzinfo emphasizes, according to Gaidarji, the existence of the autonomous region does not contradict the principle of a unitary state. As an example, the deputies cited European models of autonomy, stressing that having its own governing bodies contributes to the stability of the state.
“On the path to European integration, Moldova should not curtail Gagauzia’s powers, but rather strengthen its legal status and improve mechanisms for cooperation. We are committed to the rule of law, peaceful dialogue, and harmony in the Republic of Moldova. All democratic mechanisms will be used to protect the legal foundations of autonomy,” stated Valentin Gaidarji, Chairman of the People’s Assembly.
Call for Dialogue
The People’s Assembly called on the President, Parliament, and Government of Moldova to refrain from unilaterally revising the legal foundations of autonomy and to return to direct dialogue. Deputies believe that issues affecting the status of Gagauzia should be resolved jointly with its representative bodies and in accordance with European practice.
“We appeal to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, to the President of the Republic of Moldova, and to the government, calling on them to abandon the policy of unilaterally revising the legal foundations of autonomy and to return to constructive dialogue with the People’s Assembly, as well as with the highest representative legislative body of the Autonomy. The People’s Assembly of Gagauzia is convinced that the future of the Republic of Moldova must be built not on a document setting forth constitutional agreements, but on respect for those agreements and the development of their unconditional implementation. “Only this path can preserve the trust of citizens, strengthen statehood, and ensure the country’s genuine unity,” the GAG statement reads.
