IN CONTEXT: Prosecutor General's Office faces independence test and trust challenges under new leadership

The new Prosecutor General's mandate includes the obligation to achieve tangible results in the fight against corruption and to bolster public trust in the justice system. Additionally, there is a need to clearly demonstrate the Prosecutor General's Office's independence. This perspective was shared by Vadim Vieru, an expert from the Promo-LEX Association, during the IN CONTEXT program on Moldova 1, following President Maia Sandu's signing of the decree to appoint Alexandru Machidon as Prosecutor General.

Security and Intelligence Service probe into Balan began with internal suspicions, confirmed by external partners

The investigation into the former deputy director of the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS), Alexandru Balan, began after suspicions regarding his behavior and potential contacts with foreign intelligence services emerged within the agency between 2022 and 2023. These suspicions were later confirmed by external partners, who documented his connections to entities in Belarus. This was stated by the head of the SIS, Alexandru Musteața.

9,620 places for first-graders available in Chisinau

The initial enrollment period for first-grade students has concluded, revealing an uneven interest in schools across Chisinau. While some institutions are experiencing a low number of applications, others are already overcrowded following this first stage of admission. In the municipality of Chisinau, there are 9,620 places available for students entering school for the first time.

About 20,000 people in the Republic of Moldova fall ill with acute diarrheal diseases annually

In the Republic of Moldova, between 16,000 and 20,000 cases of acute diarrheal diseases (ADD) are reported each year, resulting in approximately 10 deaths. Around 75% of these cases occur among children and adolescents. In response to this situation, the National Agency for Public Health has announced the National Month for the Prevention of ADD, Food Poisoning, and Cholera, which will take place from May 1 to May 31.

Largest electricity storage system launched in Strășeni: 60 MWh capacity

The largest electricity storage system in the Republic of Moldova, with a total capacity of 60 MWh, integrated with a 50 MW photovoltaic park, was launched on April 30 in the Rădeni locality of the Strașeni district.

University modernization projects launched nationwide

A new platform was launched in Chisinau on April 30 to facilitate the attraction of European funds for projects in education, public administration, tourism, and the economic environment. The priorities include modernizing the infrastructure of educational institutions and investing in practical courses that better prepare students for the labor market. The goal is to encourage more young people to pursue their studies in the Republic of Moldova.

Vasile Plevan fails vetting; two anti-corruption prosecutors cleared as unbiased

Vasile Plevan, who served as the former interim deputy head of the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office under Veronica Dragalin, repeatedly failed the external evaluation test for ethical and financial integrity. Radu Palencu also did not pass the vetting process. Meanwhile, their colleagues, anticorruption prosecutors Vasile Disculțu and Iulian Diaconu, met the ethical and financial integrity criteria established by the External Evaluation Commission.

Labor market in the Republic of Moldova: 270,000 people aged 25–45 are not employed

The Republic of Moldova is experiencing notable imbalances in its labor market, characterized by high rates of inactivity, migration, and rapid economic changes. To address these issues, participants at the National Labor Market and Social Dialogue Forum, held on April 30 in Chisinau, emphasized the importance of digitalization and reducing the informal economy.

Inmates will wear electronic bracelets for outside work

Inmates will have increased opportunities for employment, both inside and outside of prisons. The time spent in paid work will now count towards their contribution period. This change follows Parliament's approval of a legislative initiative proposed by the Ministry of Justice during the first reading.

“TUX” case sent to court: organizers face up to 10 years in prison and fines up to 1 million lei

The criminal investigation into the "TUX" case, which involves a pyramid investment platform that resulted in several Moldovans losing their money, has now been completed. As a result, multiple individuals are being charged and will face trial. The General Inspectorate of Police (IGP) has not disclosed the exact number of scheme organizers who will appear in court, but it has indicated that investigations into additional suspects are ongoing.

Stricter rules for foreigners: Residence Law adopted in final reading

The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova adopted a new law on Friday that regulates the stay of foreigners in the country. This legislation was approved in its final reading and includes an amendment that shortens the processing time for applications to confirm the right to work. Additionally, the law introduces the concept of a "risk profile" to identify individuals who may pose a threat to national security.

Former ambassador to Japan appointed Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dumitru Socolan, the former ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Japan, has been appointed as the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).