Irina Vlah, leader of the Republican Party “Heart of Moldova,” Bashkan of Gagauzia for two terms during the period 2015-2023, came today with an address to the inhabitants of Gagauzia about the situation surrounding the elections of November 15, 2026. The politician announced that she would not run for the post of Bashkan, but would continue to defend the interests of autonomy and contribute to solving the problems faced by her inhabitants.

“Lately I have received many messages and calls from the inhabitants of Gagauzia. People ask me the same question: will I participate in the elections for the position of Bashkan on November 15th?

I understand why this question is asked so often during this time. Gagauzia is going through a difficult time. In recent months, the powers of autonomy have been considerably limited, pressure on people has intensified, and on the eve of elections we see attempts to interfere in internal processes in Gagauzia. And when I talk about pressure, I know very well what I’m talking about. At the homes of the people who made donations to the HEART OF MOLDOVA Party, which I lead, representatives of force structures come. People are intimidated and trying to force them to make statements against the party. I know that other residents of the autonomy also face such situations. That is why I address the CNA and the Police: leave the people alone! They have done nothing illegal, and your attempts to put pressure on them are illegal.

Elections cannot be held in an atmosphere of fear. You cannot talk about democracy and at the same time put pressure on people. You cannot try, through people, to control the processes within autonomy, to manipulate public opinion and to prepare a convenient outcome for someone in advance. Gagauzia must make its own choice – free, without pressure and without outside interference,” she said.

Irina Vlah said that during her eight years as Bashkan, she had to go through various crises and defend the interests of autonomy in the most difficult situations, but she believes that never before an election was the situation in Gagauzia as tense as it is today: “I see people’s concern. But I also see something else – Gagauzia’s determination to defend its interests, and today it is particularly important to maintain this trust.”

“Dear inhabitants of Gagauzia! Gagauzia has always been and will always remain an extremely important part of my life. For eight years I had the honor of serving you as Bashkan. Together we have come a long way, overcome many difficulties and demonstrated that Gagauzia is capable of developing, realizing important projects and achieving results. Therefore, the trust I feel from you today is especially important to me. I know that many of you would like to see me again as Bashkan. Lately I have been asked hundreds of times if I am ready to return.

Thank you for your trust, but today my decision is different. I will not participate in the elections for the position of Bashkan. Not because Gagauzia’s problems would have become less important to me. On the contrary. Today I am convinced that many of them can no longer be solved only at the level of autonomy,” she said.

The former Bashkan mentioned that for eight years he served Gagauzia as a Bashkan.

“Today I can do more for Gagauzia, fighting for changes throughout Moldova. That is why I made a commitment to the citizens of the country: to do everything in my power to return Moldova to democracy; to become a true rule of law, in which the law, people’s rights and the competences of the regions are respected; in which the economy develops and people can live decently here at home. I will not deviate from this path. I will continue to defend the interests of autonomy and contribute to solving the problems faced by its inhabitants. My function may change. My responsibility to Gagauzia – no,” the political leader said.

Irina Vlah also came with an exhortation for Gagauzians: “Dear inhabitants of Gagauzia! Do not allow anyone to convince you that the fate of Gagauzia has already been decided by someone else. The future of autonomy must be decided by its inhabitants. I believe in a strong Gagauzia. I believe in a Moldova where Gagauzia and its rights are respected. And I will do everything in my power to make our country just that way. I’m staying with you. We will do a lot more things together.”