Moldova’s justice reform faces delays but pushes forward
The justice reform has not progressed as quickly or efficiently as initially hoped, and tangible results in high-profile cases have been delayed.
Nonetheless, President Maia Sandu asserts that the chosen course is "correct" and insists that the process must be completed.
"Yes, it is true that things have not moved quickly enough or been executed as effectively as we would have liked. We acknowledge this, but it did not happen due to a lack of will, as this reform has been a priority. I have engaged with state institutions regularly, if not daily, then at least weekly, in search of solutions, and some progress has been made. If we compare a list of the most 'odious'—excuse the term—judges from 2016-2017 in the Republic of Moldova with the current system, you will see that most of the corrupt judges have left. While it is true that concrete results in these cases are still lacking, we must persevere in this process of purging the system."
The president acknowledged that reforming the justice system has proven more challenging than anticipated. On the one hand, the government did not foresee the level of internal resistance, although it perhaps should have; on the other hand, the number of courageous judges turned out to be lower than expected, Sandu noted. Even so, the president emphasized that it is crucial to continue the process in accordance with international standards, stating that setbacks should not derail progress.
"This is a difficult process. We had hoped to move faster and did not anticipate such significant resistance, although perhaps we should have. We also believed there would be more brave individuals within the system. Unfortunately, there are fewer than expected. While there are honest people, courage is in short supply. Nevertheless, we must build on what we have learned so far, persist, and see this reform through to its conclusion."
It should be noted that at the end of July 2023, the Legislature adopted, in its second reading, a draft law on the external evaluation of judges and prosecutors. Approximately 140 judges and 220 key-position prosecutors have passed the ethical and financial integrity screening. The external evaluation will also apply to candidates for potential vacancies, who will be selected through competitions by 2025.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
