Moldova's anti-corruption climb: Real or perceived
Moldova has made progress in its fight against corruption, according to the 2023 Public Integrity Index. The country moved up several spots in the rankings, placing 35th globally.
Cristina Ciubotaru, an anti-corruption expert, said the improvements are due to the implementation of the National Integrity and Anti-Corruption Strategy. However, she also noted that the index is based more on perception than experience.
"I believe this indicator is based more on perception than on experience," Ciubotaru said. "From the methodology, I understand that it is about how we are perceived. The image of Moldova on the international stage has improved in recent years, and this is the primary explanation for these developments. I believe we are perceived better than we actually have such progress. I believe it is an indicator that has been enriched against the background of a foreign policy."
The European Center for Research on Corruption and State-Building found that Moldova is among 22 countries that have made improvements in corruption control, while Romania has stagnated. Denmark, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, and Estonia top the rankings.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
