Over 80 per cent of judges, 70 per cent of prosecutors from Moldova willing to participate in vetting process, survey shows

Over 80 per cent of judges and 70 per cent of prosecutors are willing to participate in the vetting process. The conclusions are part of a survey conducted by Magenta Consulting, at an initiative by the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova, and unveiled at an event organized at the Justice Ministry.

Present at the event, Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru said that the survey information was valuable, at it reflects the perceptions of the professionals in the system.

“I believe that transparency and objective evaluation are essential for effective reform and for identifying real solutions when developing policies in the justice field. We are in the last year of implementing the Justice Strategy 2021–2025. After this period is over, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which will create the basis for the new strategy for the 2026–2030 period. The survey will be one of the tools guiding this planning,” the minister opined.

According to the study, when asked how much they agree with the statement that judges are independent, 93 per cent of judges, 65 per cent of prosecutors and 50 per cent of lawyers answered affirmatively (completely or somewhat agree). The figures have increased compared to 2020. At the same time, 81 per cent of judges and 70 per cent of prosecutors are open to participating in the vetting process. This openness is particularly significant as, in the 2023 survey the figures were by 29 per cent and 26 per cent lower, respectively.

According to the cited source, in 2025, the proportion of judges who describe the  activities of the Superior Council for Magistracy (CSM) as transparent increased significantly, from 61 per cent in 2020 to 83 per cent at present. At the same time, 71 per cent of prosecutors who participated in the survey agree that the decisions by the Superior Council of Prosecutors (CSP) well-motivated, 71 per cent agree that CSP communicates effectively with prosecutors, and 66 per cent believe that the CSP's activities are transparent.

Most of the respondents in the research support the expansion of digitalization, including electronic summons and remote hearings.

The survey also presents a string of challenges in the system. “Salary levels, insufficient personnel, and the perceived level of corruption—each of these aspects raised by respondents compel us to take a firmer approach to improve the situation. However, this must be done through dialogue and with the committed effort of all law enforcement institutions in charge of law enforcement,” added Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

The justice minister also referred to priorities, including strengthening system independence, developing the Agency for Digitalization in Justice and Judicial Administration, as well as investing in staff and infrastructure (courts, prosecutors, penitentiaries). She noted that these directions were also included in the 'Rule of Law' Roadmap, recently approved by the government.

The survey was conducted between February and April 2025, on a sample of 476 respondents: judges, prosecutors and lawyers.