President Maia Sandu clarified that the recent wave of resignations in Moldova’s justice system signals institutional reform, not collapse.
“Whenever institutions receive notice of an extraordinary external evaluation, several individuals resign,” Sandu said in an interview with Cinema1. “Some may want to avoid scrutiny of their assets, while others might have different motives. It is not a collapse. We want assurance that honest people serve in our courts and prosecution offices.”
Her comments followed the resignation of 17 prosecutors from the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS) after an external review was launched. Several judges, including those from the Supreme Court of Justice, have also stepped down recently.
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“When we launched the justice system cleanup, we anticipated departures,” Sandu said. “Nearly a third of the country’s judges have resigned over the past three years. Now, we must bring in young professionals to drive a new wave of reform.”
After Ion Munteanu moved to the Supreme Court, the government appointed Alexandru Machidon as interim General Prosecutor, and Sandu clearly stated the government’s expectations.
“We expect decisive action against corruption and abuse. People deserve safety and real justice,” she said.
She also encouraged graduates of the National Institute of Justice to join the system with integrity and commitment.
“We need heroes in the justice system,” Sandu said. “I urged them to look to the best international models for inspiration. Now is the time to build a system rooted in professionalism and integrity.”