President at Justice Reform and Combating Corruption Forum: Judicial independence requires integrity and accountability

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu participated today in the Justice Reform and Combating Corruption Forum, where she spoke about the progress made in reforming the justice system and the difficulties that still persist in this process. The head of state emphasized that although the changes have not taken place as quickly as society would have wished, the system is beginning to be cleansed and deliver results.

The President mentioned the renewal of the Superior Council of Magistracy and the Superior Council of Prosecutors, the ongoing reform of the Supreme Court of Justice, and the continuation of the external evaluation of judges and prosecutors. She also noted the increase in the number of high-level corruption cases, the existence of court decisions in some of these cases, improvements to the legislation, and progress in recovering assets and money derived from criminal activities. The head of state also referred to existing delays, vacant positions, and the heavy workload faced by people who work honestly within the system: “The things we have managed to achieve are due to the work of people in our institutions who had the courage, patience, and strength to work,” the President said.

The head of state reiterated that building the rule of law is the most complicated commitment in the process of joining the European Union and that the effects of the reform must be sustainable and endure over time. The President also addressed the role of the justice system in protecting the Republic of Moldova from threats generated by hybrid warfare, emphasizing that the illegal financing of political parties, attempts to buy votes, and political corruption can only be fought by a strong rule-of-law state.

In conclusion, the head of state emphasized that the results achieved so far provide confidence that the transformation of the justice system can be completed. “I want us to have confidence in our efforts, and I want us to have confidence in our ability to reach our final objective, which is an independent justice system, knowing that independence requires integrity and accountability,” the President concluded.