Moldovan president's message on National Police Day

Dear officers and civilian staff of the police service, dear veterans,

Madam Minister, Mr. Commissioner,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we mark 35 years since the foundation of the National Police, an institution that has evolved along Moldova.

I want to begin by thanking you for the dedication and professionalism with which you perform your duty day and night. Through your work, you protect people, maintain public order and directly contribute to safeguarding the security and sovereignty of Moldova.

In these 35 years, the role of the Police has changed significantly, as the threats to national security and public safety have become more complex and intense.

Often, the police officer is the first representative of the state that a citizen encounters in a difficult moment. Therefore, your role involves not only authority, but also empathy, calmness and responsibility.

Whether you are intervening in emergency situations, supporting vulnerable people, or resolving conflicts in communities, you are present where the state needs to be close to its people.

Thanks to your dedication and efforts, people in our country enjoy safety and peace, despite the increasing challenges to social stability and peace.

We all know that the past years have been difficult for the democracy and sovereignty of Moldova. Our country has been the target of serious attempts to influence democratic processes, buy votes, and undermine people's trust in the state.

And you, the members of the National Police, have been on the front line to ensure that the future of Moldova is decided by its citizens, not external influences. For this effort, I thank you.

This success does not mean that the risks have disappeared. On the contrary, it shows us how important the vigilance of state institutions stays. In the coming years, the same determination will be needed to prevent attempts to destabilize and divide us.

I therefore rely on the patriotism of each of you, on the pledge you've made to the country, so that we can continue to thwart any attempts to derail us from our path.

At the same time, we are also facing other new problems that require firm and adapted responses to current realities. One such problem is drugs’ trafficking and consumption, which increasingly affects young people and our communities.

I know this fight is not easy, but I count on your professionalism to reduce this danger, to protect children, and to make our communities safer. Here, firm intervention, prevention and collaboration with all responsible institutions are needed.

In fact, cooperation with other structures remains essential in all your activities. Public safety cannot be ensured by a single institution. Cooperation between the police, local authorities, the justice system and civil society is essential.

Equally important is international cooperation, the exchange of information and best practices with our external partners, which helps Moldova respond more effectively to new risks and threats.

I know that expectations from you are high, that the work you do does not stop at the end of your shift. I know that serving the country means constant availability, responsibility and often personal sacrifices - yours and those of your loved ones, to whom I thank for their patience and the support they give you.

Therefore, it is important for the state and society to offer you the respect, trust, and support you need to do your duty. Because the safety of the people starts with the safety of those who protect them.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Before concluding, I remind you that, in the coming years, Moldova must seize the historic opportunity to be prepared for European Union membership. The whole country will continue to undergo a process of institutional strengthening and transformation.

This involves the continuous strengthening of the rule of law and integrity standards, as the foundation of our European path. I urge you to work together in this direction, and I am confident that we will succeed.

Now, however, as we find ourselves at this anniversary moment, I wish you health, strength for your work and peace in your families. I wish you happy holidays with your loved ones and that you look forward with confidence, knowing that your work matters and is appreciated. Thank you and all the best!