President Maia Sandu, Speaker Igor Grosu, and Prime Minister Dorin Recean discussed with members of the Gagauz community on December 20, ahead of the 30th anniversary of the autonomy’s establishment. The dialogue highlighted the core purpose of the autonomy—a framework designed to protect and promote the Gagauz language, culture, and traditions—and stressed the need for renewed efforts to achieve these goals fully, according to the presidential press service.
On December 23, 1994, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova adopted the law on the special legal status of Gagauz Autonomy, aiming to safeguard the cultural, linguistic, and traditional identity of the Gagauz community.
During the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of joint efforts to preserve and pass on the Gagauz language and culture to future generations. President Maia Sandu reiterated the central authorities’ support for collaboration with the Gagauz community to protect its cultural identity. The discussion also addressed the need for effective educational programs, teaching resources, and specialized teacher training to support the Gagauz language.
FOR THE MOSTÂ IMPORTANT NEWS, FOLLOW US ONÂ TWITTER!
A key message of the dialogue was unity, underscoring Moldova as a shared home for all citizens. The Romanian language was presented as a vital tool for integrating the Gagauz Autonomy into the national context, enhancing access to education, employment, and reliable information.
Another central theme was improving communication between Chisinau and the autonomy to foster sustainable development, community welfare, and mutual understanding. Participants highlighted the risks of misinformation and the importance of ensuring the region’s access to credible information sources.
President Sandu also emphasized the significance of economic and social development projects in the region. Through the European Village program, 15 projects totaling 73 million lei improved residents’ quality of life. Additionally, European Union investments exceeding 40 million euros have significantly enhanced infrastructure, education, and healthcare, raising living standards in the autonomy.
The event also celebrated contributions from notable members of the Gagauz community, including cultural figures, educators, healthcare professionals, local leaders, journalists, and entrepreneurs. Among those honored were Maria Acbas, Ludmila Anastassova, Vera Balova, Stepan Bulgar, Piotr Buzadji, Elena Caramit, Constantin Cheles, Ecaterina Cojocar, Tatiana Damascan, Vitalii Gaidarji, Svetlana Ghenova, Igor Guseinov, Ecaterina Jecova, Gheorghi Kalciu, Gullu Karanfil, Vasili Neicovcen, Svetlana Mironova, Denis Pintea, Polina Pintea, Svetlana Peicova, Petros Albertian, Mihail Sirkeli, Ana Statova, and Maria Tanasovici.
In conclusion, President Sandu reaffirmed the authorities’ commitment to working with the Gagauz community to preserve its language, culture, and traditions while transforming the region into a model of prosperity, mutual understanding, and cooperation for all of Moldova. “Now is the time to accomplish together what we have not achieved in the past 30 years,” said Maia Sandu.