Judicial vetting in Moldova: Over 50 judges resign in 2024
The evaluation process carried out by the Vetting Commission in 2024 has brought significant changes to the judiciary system of the Republic of Moldova.
Numerous magistrates, including 22 of the 25 judges at the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) and more than 30 judges from the country's four Courts of Appeal, resigned ahead of their evaluations. Although this process has led to a considerable reduction in the number of active judges, the Vetting Commission maintains that reform efforts are ongoing, aiming to establish a transparent and efficient justice framework.
Evaluation of Judges' Self-Governance Bodies
Over the course of the year, the Vetting Commission assessed 26 candidates for positions in judges' self-governance bodies. Two candidates were positively evaluated and appointed to the Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM). The Judges' General Assembly, convened in December, elected three members to the Selection and Evaluation Board for Judges and four to the Disciplinary Board. The SCM Boards remain understaffed, and the selection process is ongoing.
Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ)
The vetting process at the SCJ has led to major changes. Of the 25 judges at the SCJ, 22 resigned ahead of their evaluations. Of the three who accepted evaluation, only one passed. Additionally, the Commission evaluated 30 candidates for judge positions at the SCJ, 12 of whom successfully completed the vetting process. Four new judges have been appointed, but 15 more are still needed to complete the SCJ’s roster.
Courts of Appeal
The evaluation of the Courts of Appeal, initiated in 2024, remains a priority. Of the 40 judges at the Chișinău Court of Appeal, 21 resigned. At the Bălți Court of Appeal, 12 out of 17 judges stepped down. Similar situations were recorded at the Cahul and Comrat Courts of Appeal. The evaluation of judges at these courts is ongoing, with the schedule for public hearings to be announced at the beginning of 2025.
Looking ahead to next year, the Vetting Commission announced its focus on completing the vetting process at all four Courts of Appeal—Chișinău, Bălți, Cahul, and Comrat—continuing the verification of candidates for vacant positions at the SCJ and SCM, and ensuring transparency in the vetting process through regular reporting and public hearings.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
