Although a court has convicted and sentenced Eugenia Gutul to prison, she will continue to serve as Governor of Gagauzia until the Court of Appeal delivers its final decision. Alexandr Tarnavski, a deputy in the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia, confirmed this information to RUPOR.MD.
Tarnavski explained that the law governing Gagauzia’s special status prohibits the organization of early elections before a final ruling is issued.
“As long as the governor’s mandate remains valid and unexpired, her duties are temporarily carried out by the First Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of Gagauzia, despite the lower court’s verdict,” Tarnavski said.
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Next Steps if the Court Upholds the Conviction
If the Court of Appeal upholds the conviction, the People’s Assembly must organize early elections for the region’s governor within 90 days.
Case Background
On August 4, the first instance court sentenced Eugenia Gutul to seven years in prison for participating in the illegal financing of political parties affiliated with fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor.
While she remains in prison during the appeals process, the law continues to recognize her as the official governor until the final decision is made by the Court of Appeal.