Gagauzia crisis: Call to annul 23k 'vote-buying' fines
The People’s Assembly in Comrat, the capital of Moldova’s autonomous Gagauzia region, has been called upon to identify a legal solution for canceling the fines issued to residents for alleged electoral corruption.
The issue was raised by Deputy Grigori Diulger during the November 27 session.
The deputy stated that at least 23,000 people were fined sums ranging from 25,000 to 37,000 Moldovan Lei (approximately $1,400 to $2,000 USD) for alleged electoral corruption, claiming they were not granted access to their case files.
Diulger insisted that the payments indicated in the reports do not constitute electoral bribery intended to influence the vote, but rather represent social support offered to vulnerable individuals during a time of difficulty.
“If the money comes from the Europeans, it is welcome. If it comes from the East – it’s corruption,” he noted in this context, directly referencing the geopolitical tension.
The lawmaker further argued that the People’s Assembly should provide "confirmations" attesting that this aid was officially approved, allowing people to avoid sanctions he deems unjust.
The deputies agreed to include the subject on the agenda for the next People’s Assembly session, where they will attempt to identify a legal mechanism to suspend these sanctions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
