Chisinau has achieved its goal: for the first time, the National Unity Day is not celebrated in Gagauzia

Today, on February 2, Gagauzia celebrates National Unity Day — exactly 12 years ago, two referendums (consultative and legislative) were held in the autonomy.

At the first, residents of the region spoke in favor of Moldova's accession to the Customs Union (now the Eurasian Economic Community), and at the second, they voted for Gagauzia's self—determination in case the Republic of Moldova loses its independence and statehood.

Despite the fact that the central authorities of the country called the Gagauz referendum illegal, both plebiscites took place, and since then the date of their holding in Gagauzia has been declared a holiday and a day off. However, this time there will be no celebrations — the traditional rally has already been canceled, no conferences were reported on that day.

As a reminder, 62 polling stations were opened in Gagauzia to hold two referendums. The turnout then exceeded 57%. Of the total number of people who came to the polling stations, 98% voted for the eastern vector of Moldova and the deferred status of autonomy. Not a single lei was spent from the budget of the country and the autonomy on holding the plebiscite — all expenses were covered by patrons.

As EADaily reported, the central authorities call Gagauzia a "separatist threat" to pro-European Moldova, and the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, bluntly stated that it was necessary to get rid of Gagauz politicians. The head of the region Yevgeniya Hutsul and the ex-speaker of the People's Assembly of Gagauzia (NSG — Parliament of autonomy) have already been convicted on trumped-up charges Dmitry Konstantinov. Chisinau also blocked the holding of regular elections to the National Assembly, limiting the special status of the region and intending to establish its external control over Gagauzia. The State Chancellery of the Republic of Moldova has picked up local politicians loyal to the Sandu regime, who are called "new Gagauz for European integration" in Comrat.