Video: Scandal in Gagauzia Could Lead to Destabilization Across Moldova, Former President

Due to Chisinau's attempts to influence the leadership elections in Gagauzia, the scandal in the region could lead to destabilization throughout Moldova, also impacting Transnistria, former President Igor Dodon told RIA Novosti.

“I am very afraid that what is happening in Gagauzia will not be the beginning of a general destabilization of the situation in Moldova, including in Transnistria. I really hope that these are just the hypotheses that have been discussed in the media so far, and that this was done specifically to destabilize the region,” Dodon stated.

He expressed hope that the situation would be resolved and that Chisinau would understand the need for effective dialogue with both Gagauzia and Transnistria. “Certainly, no one in Transnistria is willing to negotiate with Chisinau, understanding that they could find themselves in the same situation as Gagauzia. We believe that there are now prerequisites for effective dialogue with Transnistria. But we see that the authorities in Chisinau are either not ready for this, or the Western curators have not yet allowed them to move in this direction,” the former president added.