Moldova’s Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia is in crisis.
Its pro-Russian governor is behind bars, the term of its legislative body, the People’s Assembly, has ended and no date for an election has been set.
Many of Gagauzia’s roughly 150,000 residents are pro-Russian and would like to see their former governor, Evghenia Gutul, released from prison and back in politics.
Young people are either reluctant to discuss politics or are not interested in it at all.
Experts warn that the current situation could increase instability in Gagauzia.
Two main questions prevail: How much pressure will Moscow exert on Moldova? And how will Chisinau respond?