Moldovan government expands access to legal aid for people with low incomes

Government has approved a draft law through which more citizens with low incomes will be able to benefit from partially free qualified legal assistance, covered by the state budget. The initiative aims to facilitate access to justice for low-income people and strengthen the right to defense.

 

So far, only people with incomes below the minimum wage benefited from the support, the new draft provides for the extension of the threshold. Thus, people whose monthly income exceeds the minimum wage by up to 30% will be able to benefit from partially free qualified legal assistance, with the obligation to reimburse 30% of the costs of the services.

 

At the same time, the application procedure has been simplified, eliminating the obligation to submit an income statement. Authorities will automatically verify incomes by accessing state registers.

 

It also includes the clarification of certain aspects related to the mandatory participation of defenders in criminal proceedings, helping to avoid delays in judicial procedures.

 

Through the amendments, the government aims to eliminate inequities in the system and facilitate access to justice and mediation for socially vulnerable people. The draft will be submitted to parliament for debate and adoption.