VIDEO // Moldovan PM says independent judiciary fundamental condition for economic growth, welfare of citizens

Moldova can have neither a European future nor sustainable economic development without an independent and credible judiciary. Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has made statements to this effect. He noted that justice stayed the foundation of all other reforms and reaffirmed the commitment to continue changes in the system, emphasizing that an independent judiciary is a fundamental condition for economic growth and the welfare of all citizens.

In his speech given at the seventh edition of the Forum dedicated to justice reform and combating corruption, organized by Moldova’s Legal Resources Center, held in Chisinau, the prime minister said that the Moldovan citizens deserved a judiciary in which they have full confidence - independent, swift, incorruptible and accessible. This is not just a political promise; it is a state obligation and an essential condition in the country’s process of joining the European Union, Alexandru Munteanu said.

The PM highlighted that significant progress had been made in the field of justice in recent years.

“I've said it many times and I repeat: if I could change one thing in Moldova, it would be justice reform. In fact, we are changing many things and will continue with this process, but justice remains the foundation of all other reforms. In recent years, we have taken bold steps, strengthened the independence of judges through constitutional changes, eliminated political influence from the Superior Council of Magistracy, launched the extraordinary evaluation of integrity and initiated the reform of the Supreme Court of Justice,” the official said.

The prime minister assured that system changes would continue, even if “justice reform is difficult and sometimes uncomfortable.”

“The government assumes the political cost of these reforms. Moldova can have neither a European future nor sustainable economic development without an independent and credible judiciary. Justice is not a political tool, nor should it be. It is, in fact, a fundamental contract between the state and the citizen. The equal enforcement of the law, regardless of position, status or influence, is a constitutional obligation and a real test of the rule of law,” emphasized the PM.

At the same time, Alexandru Munteanu highlighted that the extraordinary evaluation of judges and prosecutors, which is ongoing, would be completed.

“That is our promise. At the same time, we do not ignore the persistent problems. The excessive length of some cases, the pressure on honest magistrates and the personnel deficit. The government's response is clear: completing the extraordinary evaluation, filling vacant positions, enhancing the attractiveness of legal professions, accelerating corruption cases, confiscating criminal assets and digitizing justice, a clearer delimitation of responsibilities and more efficient coordination of activities among different institutions. These are concrete priorities, not declarations,” the prime minister pointed out.

Alexandru Munteanu also referred to the direct link between justice and the economy. According to him, investments follow the rule of law, and “investors demand clear rules, stability and courts that enforce the law quickly and impartially.” He added that an independent judiciary was a fundamental condition for economic growth and the welfare of all citizens of the country.

At the same time, the official emphasized the importance of strengthening justice in the current regional context, which, according to him, remains complicated.

“The regional context stays very complicated. Hybrid warfare, disinformation and attempts at electoral corruption are real risks we have already faced. State institutions have shown that they can respond. This effort must continue without exceptions and double standards. The direction of Moldova is clear: strengthening the independence of justice and not undermining it. Professional responsibility, not intimidation. Transparency, not institutional capture,” the prime minister said.

Alexandru Munteanu also said that the government remained open to reasoned solutions and would support proposals that truly strengthen the rule of law.

“Justice reform is not about a government or a mandate. It's about the future of Moldova, the future of our children and grandchildren, about citizens' trust, institutional stability and our rightful place in the European family,” concluded Alexandru Munteanu.

The Justice Reform and Combating Corruption Forum takes place in Chisinau on December 16-17; the event is organized by the Legal Resources Center of Moldova.





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