Robert Cerari elected as new Baron of the Roma in Moldova

Robert Cerari has been unanimously elected as the new Baron of the Roma in the Republic of Moldova. The election took place on August 22 during a general congress of the Roma community held in Soroca.

Cerari, 61, succeeds his cousin, Artur Cerari, who led the community for nearly 28 years until his death in July 2026. The transition event included representatives from various localities across the country and guests from Romania.

A municipal councilor in Soroca and vice president of the ‘Bare-Rom’ Roma Association, Robert Cerari previously served on the council of elders and acted as a judge in ‘Stabor’, the traditional Roma court used to resolve internal community disputes. He is also an entrepreneur and the founder of the company ‘Rom-Cerari’.

Artur Cerari had held the position since 1998, inheriting the role from his father, Mircea Cerari. During his tenure, he was noted for mediating internal disputes, promoting youth education, and representing the community to state authorities.