Moldovan PM says government can build cleaner institutions only if country carries justice reform through

An efficient state must also be one where the law works. The government can build cleaner institutions, only if we see the justice reform through to the end. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan today made statements to this effect, who presented the results of the cabinet’s first 100 days in office.

The official noted that citizens’ expectations for the justice system are very high and that their dissatisfaction is, in many cases, justified.

“The government cannot and must not decide who is guilty and who is not. That is the work of prosecutors and judges. We can build cleaner institutions, only if we see the reform in this sector through to the end. Seventy out of 204 judges who entered the external evaluation process left the system and resigned, while 46 failed the evaluation. In the case of prosecutors, 33 out of the 84 evaluated failed,” Vasile Tofan said.

The PM stressed that the authorities were continuing the process of removing corrupt judges and prosecutors who cannot account for their wealth from the system.

“It is a difficult process, but judicial independence cannot mean a lack of integrity standards. Those who flee justice must not believe that the state will forget if time passes. During this period, 23 wanted individuals, including the notorious Mr. Radulov, have been brought back to the country. We have also created a mechanism through which confiscated assets can be used for social projects. We must return to the people what was stolen from them,” Vasile Tofan emphasized.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan today held a news conference at the government’s headquarters to present the activity report for the first 100 days of his term. The document compiles 182 results, decisions and actions completed or initiated by the cabinet, aimed at accelerating structural reforms, stimulating investments, modernizing infrastructure and advancing negotiations on accession to the European Union amid regional economic and security challenges.