The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) is closely monitoring the elections in Gagauzia and wants to maintain a permanent presence in the autonomy, while a decision on participating in the November 15 elections is expected to be made within the party. ALDE President Arina Spătaru told TRIBUNA.

“I went to Comrat, participated in the information session organized by the Central Electoral Commission, and discussed the electoral rules, the conditions for registering candidates, campaign financing, and the issues that may arise during this contest. I also went to Radio Moldova Comrat, where I spoke about the elections, the situation in the autonomy, and ALDE’s intention to open a permanent office in Comrat.

The decision on ALDE’s participation in the elections for Bashkan and/or the People’s Assembly will be made within the party. I do not want to announce candidates or decisions before they are discussed and approved by ALDE’s statutory bodies. But I want our position to be very clear: Gagauzia must not be abandoned,” she said.

The politician said she does not believe the solution is for a political party from Chisinau to come to Gagauzia only during the election period and tell people whom to vote for.

“ALDE wants to be present here after the elections as well. We want to listen to people, understand the real problems of the autonomy, and build a local, European and democratic political alternative,” the former MP added.

At the same time, Arina Spătaru stated: “As for the Șor group, I believe we need to be very direct: people in Gagauzia must have the opportunity to break free from dependence on a political network based on money, promises and influence. But Șor cannot be replaced with another form of control.”

“Gagauzia does not need a new master. It needs fair elections, genuine alternatives, and politicians who are accountable to the people. Therefore, for ALDE, the question is not simply, ‘Do we participate in the elections or not?’ The question is: what can we build there so that people finally have a real choice?” the ALDE president concluded.