Gagauzia faces political deadlock over Bashkan elections and reforms

The autonomous region of Gagauzia is facing a prolonged political and institutional crisis. The People’s Assembly has repeatedly failed to establish a date for the Bashkan elections due to a lack of quorum. This legislative deadlock follows the official declaration of the Bashkan position as vacant on August 17, 2026, after the conviction of Evghenia Gutul for illegal political party financing.

Alexei Buzu, the Secretary General of the Government, stated that local public administration reforms in the region are also stalled. He noted that the amalgamation of municipalities cannot proceed until a new, functional People’s Assembly is elected. Buzu emphasized that free and fair elections in Gagauzia are a prerequisite for consolidating administrative efforts to improve infrastructure and services.

The situation remains tense as the region navigates disputes over electoral rules and the autonomy of local authorities. While Moldovan authorities have approved changes to the electoral code to facilitate elections by November 15, the local assembly has faced challenges in implementing these provisions.