Irina Vlah, leader of the Republican Party “Heart of Moldova,” said that members of her party, particularly those in Gagauzia, are being subjected to pressure from law enforcement agencies.

In an address to the residents of Gagauzia, in which she officially announced that she would not run for the position of governor (Bashkan), the politician said that representatives of law enforcement agencies have been visiting the homes of people who made donations to the “Heart of Moldova” Party.

“When I talk about pressure, I know very well what I am talking about. Representatives of law enforcement agencies are coming to the homes of people who made donations to the ‘Heart of Moldova’ Party, which I lead. People are being intimidated and attempts are being made to force them to make statements against the party. I know that other residents of the autonomy are facing similar situations,” she said.

In this context, Irina Vlah addressed the National Anticorruption Center (CNA) and the Police:

“Leave people alone! They have done nothing illegal, and your attempts to put pressure on them are illegal. Elections cannot take place in an atmosphere of fear. You cannot talk about democracy while simultaneously putting pressure on people. You cannot try, through certain individuals, to control processes within the autonomy, manipulate public opinion and prepare in advance a result that is convenient for someone. Gagauzia must make its own choice — freely, without pressure and without outside interference.”

The politician also said that during the eight years she served as Bashkan, she had to deal with various crises and defend the interests of the autonomy in the most difficult circumstances.

“But I believe that never before an election has the situation in Gagauzia been as tense as it is today. I see the concern among people. But I also see something else — Gagauzia’s determination to defend its interests, and today it is especially important to preserve this confidence,” she added.