New governor inaugurated in autonomous territorial unit of Moldova

Chisinau, 20 July /MOLDPRES/ – The reelected Bashkan of Gagauz – Yeri Territorial Unit, Irina Vlah, was inaugurated on Friday evening, 19 July. The ceremony took place during an extraordinary meeting of the People's Assembly of Autonomy, after the head of Comrat Appeals Court, Dmitri Fujenco, read the approval decision as governor of the region following the elections on 30 June 2019.

The inauguration of Bashkan took place the IInd time in open air, in the centre of Comrat, in presence of President, Igor Dodon, Speaker of Parliament, Zinaida Greceanii, Prime Minister, Maia Sandu, heads of several diplomatic missions accredited in Moldova, representatives of legislative bodies of Russia, Metropolitan of Chisinau and All Moldova, Eminence Vladimir, other officials.

After taking the oath, Irina Vlah addressed a speech to the guests and inhabitants of autonomy. The Bashkan assured that she would be guided solely by the Constitution of Moldova and the Law on the Special Status of the UTA Gagauz – Yeri. "I shall be the head of all inhabitants of autonomy, without making any ethnic or party distinction. I promise to be a guarantor of peace and stability in the region, advocating for a prosperous and consolidated society," said Irina Vlah in her speech.

Also, Vlah said she would build an airport in Ceadar – Lunga and an electric plant in Vulcanesti. "We have what we have, we have real friends – Turkey and Russia which have always supported us, we have partners in EU, in more states of the world, and together we can do a lot. And for it, all those which have to leave the country must return home. Today, I make official announcement as the main priority of my campaign being the return home of citizens of Diaspora. We shall return life in our villages," specified Bashkan.

At his turn, President, Igor Dodon, outlined in his speech that it was the Ist time that such a festivity is attended by the entire leadership of Moldova. "It is symbolic that the entire elite of Moldova is next to the Gagauz people today. I am sure we shall succeed in everything with such SP, PM, Bashkan, and such people. Let us join forces to make people live better," said Igor Dodon.

"People have trusted you, but that also means a great responsibility, and I am pretty sure that with the responsible attitude to missions you face and joint efforts you will achieve all the goals you have proposed," said SP Zinaida Greceanii.

Alongside, PM Maia Sandu revealed that she would provide the Bashkan and region with all necessary support for development of Gagauzian autonomy in Moldova – a functioning, fair, law – based state.

The inauguration ceremony of Bashkan, Irina Vlah, culminated with a concert, given by local artists from Moldova, as well as with participation of well – known singer, Sofia Rotaru.

Irina Vlah won the first ballot out of the Bashkan elections on 30 June 2019, obtaining 91.93 per cent of votes. She was born on 26 February 1974, in Comrat. She has studies of law. Irina Vlah was MP of Moldova from 2005, being elected each time on the lists of the Communists' party (PCRM). After the parliamentary elections in November 2014, at the first meeting of the new parliament, Irina Vlah announced she was leaving PCRM, becoming an independent MP.

Since 15 April 2015, she has held the post of governor of Gagauzia. She is the first woman to take up this position.