PSRM challenges Romanian language requirement for Gagauzia governor candidates

The Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM) has filed a challenge with the Constitutional Court to remove a new requirement from the electoral code regarding candidates for the governor of Gagauzia. The contested rule mandates that candidates for the autonomous region's leadership must know both the Gagauz language and the Romanian language.

PSRM leader Igor Dodon and 11 other deputies argue that this requirement unconstitutionally limits the right to be elected. They contend that the Law on the Special Legal Status of Gagauzia stipulates that a governor must be a citizen of Moldova, at least 35 years old, and proficient in the Gagauz language, but does not mention the Romanian language.

The opposition maintains that the special status law can only be amended with a three-fifths majority in Parliament, and therefore, the requirement cannot be introduced solely through changes to the electoral code. Additionally, the party noted that the legislation fails to define the required level of Romanian language proficiency or the method for verification, creating potential for inconsistent interpretations.