Press Review: Moldovan leaders commit to justice reform and EU standards
The Chief Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, Laura Codruța Kovesi, has issued a warning regarding Moldova's efforts to align its justice system with EU standards.
According to IPN, Kovesi emphasised that achieving EU compliance requires harmonising legislation and ensuring the efficient operation of institutions. She cautioned that EU membership does not automatically eradicate corruption; rather, it necessitates a continuous struggle involving the entire society. Kovesi highlighted that public trust in democracy is undermined by perceptions of political influence in the judiciary, underscoring the importance of an independent and impartial judicial system. She also noted Romania's positive transformation following EU accession, which brought stability and access to significant resources.
Moldova's Commitment to Justice Reform and EU Standards
Moldova 1 reports that President Maia Sandu has reaffirmed the country's commitment to reforming its justice system and aligning national legislation with European standards. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has also outlined his plans to intensify efforts in exchanging best practices for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes and corruption, and in organising training for prosecutors.
Former PSDE Vice-President Eremei Priseajniuc Discusses Party's Decline
TV8.md features an interview with Eremei Priseajniuc, who has recently stepped down from his position as vice-president of the European Social Democrat Party (PSDE) and left the party. Priseajniuc criticised the party for losing credibility due to unpredictable strategy changes and the refusal to nominate a party representative for the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova. He argued that PSDE had the opportunity to nominate several "worthy candidates" for the presidency, including district presidents and other party leaders.
Partial Reopening of Mihai Viteazul Street Bridge Announced
Vitalie Mihalache, head of the General Directorate of Urban Mobility, announced that the first section of the bridge on Mihai Viteazul Street, which has been under repair for two years, will soon be reopened, according to jurnal.md. Although the repair work is nearing completion, a few final adjustments are still required. Local authorities had previously promised that the bridge would open in June, following an earlier deadline of the end of May set in February.
Culture Minister Addresses Censorship and Management Issues
In an interview with Newsmaker, Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan denied allegations of censorship in Moldova, commenting on the recent controversy surrounding the show "Invisible" at Luceafărul Theater, directed by David Schwartz. Prodan also addressed the situation with the JOC ensemble, explaining that the dismissal of director Aliona Strâmbeanu was due to serious management issues. He detailed problems such as poor organisation and mismanagement of resources, noting that six team members (approximately 10% of the total) had requested unpaid leave simultaneously without proper investigation, and had left with the ensemble's costumes. These issues were deemed severe enough to necessitate a change in leadership.
Unauthorised Aesthetic Surgery Section Revealed in Chișinău Hospital
Realitatea.md reports that Minister of Health Ala Nemerenco has revealed the existence of an unauthorised section for aesthetic and cosmetic surgeries within a Ministry of Health hospital in Chișinău. According to Nemerenco, this section performed costly surgeries, including implants, and operated illegally. The Ministry of Health has announced that it will forward the relevant materials and evidence to the prosecutor's office for further investigation. Igor Curov, Director of the Ministry of Health Clinic, was suspended at the end of July for obstructing the use of funds received from international partners.
First Romanian-Language Class Opens at Mihail Ceachir High School
Moldstreet reports on the opening of the first Romanian-language class at Mihail Ceachir Theoretical High School in Ceadîr-Lunga. Romanian Ambassador Cristian Leon Țurcanu emphasised the importance of providing accurate education amid an era of propaganda and misinformation. Principal Valentina Cebotari confirmed that the 22 fifth-grade students will receive high-quality education from a specially trained teaching staff. Most of the students are from Gagauz families and are Russian-speaking.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
