Moldovan President's message at General Assembly of Judges

Mr. President of the Superior Council of Magistracy,

Madam President of the Constitutional Court,

Mr. President of the Superior Council of Prosecutors,

Dear guests,

Ladies and gentlemen judges,

We are at a turning point for our justice system and for the entire society. We are approaching the end of an essential and highly sensitive stage - the extraordinary external evaluation of judges.

This stage was more than a technical exercise. It was a test of institutional maturity, an act of courage, proof of the will to break away from a past marked by compromises and toxic influences.

I know that the evaluation has been a complex, often difficult and sometimes painful process. But it was absolutely necessary. Today looking back, we can confidently say it was worth it. Because despite resistance from some parts of the system, we have managed to pave the way for real change.

Important parts of the judicial system have passed the integrity test. The judicial self-governing institutions have begun to gain society's confidence. And most importantly, key positions have been filled with professional, honest individuals who did not partake in past abuses.

These individuals today bear a great responsibility. They have the unique chance - and the moral duty - to build a new justice system. A system where the law is paramount. A system where every citizen, regardless of status, connections or wealth, is treated with respect and dignity. A system where justice is not just an abstract concept, but a lived reality that inspires confidence.

Today the responsibility to see this cleanup through to the end lies with the reformed institutions. Because - we must clearly state - the system is not yet completely cleansed. There are still exponents of old habits, individuals who continue to place personal interests above the law. If we do not act firmly, if we do not remain consistent and exacting, we risk once again resorting to extraordinary measures.

Therefore, I make a clear call: let us consolidate what we have begun. Those who commit abuses must be sanctioned by the system. Let us not allow the image of justice to be tainted by them.

We have a Superior Council of Magistracy which for two years now, has been functioning - and which has reacted promptly and efficiently in the face of major challenges generated by numerous resignations from the judicial system.

I hope you will continue to find the necessary resources to fill the vacant positions as soon as possible and to promote professional, honest, and competent candidates.

I sincerely thank all honest judges. Those who have resisted threats or isolation. Those who continued to do their job, even when the entire community was stigmatized due to serious lapses. Your integrity is the foundation on which we can build justice worthy of a modern European state.

The perseverance of judges who apply the law correctly, without influences, without pressure is commendable. In the backdrop of unprecedented attacks on our democracy, I praise the courage and professionalism of judges who have made rulings in cases of electoral corruption. These are new precedents that give us hope that state institutions can effectively combat corruption, withstand foreign influences.

I imagine the pressures on judges are very high. I encourage you to continue doing your work correctly, honestly and to report any improper influences. The state has mechanisms and is obliged to react and protect you from any foreign influences in the act of justice. Because only through real and good-faith cooperation between all institutions - from courts, to law enforcement bodies, to executive authorities - can we counter hybrid threats and foreign interference. Interference aimed at undermining our freedom and right to decide our own destiny.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We all have a common goal: restoring confidence in justice. This trust cannot be imposed only by law - it must be earned day by day, through actions, through concrete decisions, through behavior. Citizens need to have certainty that the rule of law works, that the law is not applied selectively, that justice is not captured by obscure interests.

This justice reform involves not only cleansing - but also investments. In capacities, infrastructure, professional training. Unfortunately, we see today how organized crime, political corruption, electoral corruption become increasingly sophisticated, better financed, more adapted to new technologies.

To face these challenges, we need prepared judges. The National Institute of Justice has an essential role here - it must become a center of excellence, a guarantor of the quality of the act of justice through quality and reality-adapted training.

Also in the context of these increasingly persistent dangers, I previously proposed the creation of a system of anti-corruption courts. I strongly believe we need specialized judges to ensure the prompt examination of major corruption cases. I wish to better implement this initiative.

Meanwhile, I appreciate the efforts of the administration and judges within the Chisinau Court. In one year since the establishment of specialized corruption panels, several thousand court sessions have taken place in total - nearly double compared to previous years - and about 100 sentences have been passed.

I understand that it is a large volume of work and that the judicial system is facing such complex cases for the first time. At the same time, it is important that the necessary legislative amendments have been made to ensure that case examinations continue even when one party evades or uses different legal tricks. You therefore have all the necessary support regarding the improvement of the legal framework.

Ladies and gentlemen,

For too many years, justice has been perceived as the main obstacle to investments, to economic development. If we want a strong economy, with good living conditions for all citizens - including for you, the judges - we must complete the reforms. We cannot build a healthy economy other than on a solid rule of law, upon which no shadow of doubt hangs.

Of course, a functional, independent and corruption-free justice is indispensable for our European path. Time is not on our side. We cannot allow delays in justice reform to become the reason we miss a historic opportunity - the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union. The opportunity to ensure a future in peace, freedom, and prosperity for our country.

Therefore, we must prove through concrete actions that integrity is not just a beautiful word we remember on festive occasions or that is found in strategy documents, in public policies, in different reports. Judicial decisions must be well-motivated, clear and reflect judicial truth. Simultaneously, the duration of proceedings must be reasonable, and respecting deadlines must no longer be an exception, but a rule.

In this regard, sustained efforts at the level of the Courts of Appeal, which have been affected by resignations and personnel shortages, will be necessary. The Supreme Court of Justice is also facing a large number of vacant positions. All the more I appreciate the efforts to organize the activity, to prioritize the examination of different types of cases, including those related to corruption and integrity. Also, the CSJ efforts to guide other courts are important, given the Court's essential role in establishing unitary judicial practice.

A healthy justice system also means a healthy professional climate. I know it is not easy to work alongside colleagues who violate ethics or cannot justify their wealth. Therefore, this reform is also in the interest of every honest professional. It is about protecting the reputation and dignity of those who have chosen this profession because they believe in justice. And certainly, it is important that judges receive appropriate compensation so that this profession is attractive for the best jurists. I know that in 2024, out of 25 places available for admission to the National Institute of Justice, only 12 candidates were admitted. In this context, I am pleased that yesterday a legislative initiative was registered to increase judges' salaries.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are on the verge of historic change. We have a unique opportunity to show that the Republic of Moldova can have a just, efficient, European justice system. Let us not miss this opportunity. Let us not leave reforms unfinished. Let us not allow fear or convenience to become obstacles in the path of truth.

Change is possible. Justice can once again become a symbol of fairness, the protection of rights, respect for the citizen. But this depends on all of us.

We have at our disposal modern tools. We have benefited and continue to benefit from the support of international partners - the European Union, the Council of Europe. We have political will.

What else do we need? The moral and professional commitment of everyone involved in the act of justice. Only together can we transform the judicial system into a pillar of stability and trust for the entire society.

Thank you for your attention!