Moldova’s judicial crisis: Staffing shortages and reform plans
The judicial system in the Republic of Moldova is experiencing a significant staffing shortage, particularly in the context of ethical and financial integrity evaluations.
In an interview with Teleradio-Moldova, Prosecutor General Ion Munteanu warned that this situation risks causing serious bottlenecks in both the prosecution service and the courts.
“There is a critical shortage of skilled professionals within the prosecution service. The lack of adequately trained personnel is impacting the efficiency of the Prosecution Service’s activities.”
According to the Prosecutor General, the reasons behind this crisis are varied: from better opportunities in the private sector to the reluctance of some prosecutors to participate in the vetting process. Within the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office—currently under external evaluation—approximately 25% of prosecutors have resigned: “They did not accept this challenge.”
To prevent the paralysis of the prosecution service, Ion Munteanu stated that prosecutors from other divisions have been reassigned to offices affected by resignations. However, he emphasized that this is only a temporary solution. Meanwhile, authorities are exploring ways to make the prosecutorial profession more appealing, including improving working conditions and offering competitive salaries.
Other highlights from Prosecutor General Ion Munteanu’s interview:
- Reforming the prosecution service: progress and outlook.
- Harsher penalties for electoral corruption: from the courts to the Constitutional Court. What are the stakes and the current status of vote-buying cases?
- The evolution of illegal financing methods: from cash in suitcases to virtual currencies. Are we ready to face a new wave of destabilization ahead of upcoming elections?
- The 2025 parliamentary elections: risks and challenges posed by organized criminal groups.
- Enhanced tools for prosecutors and harsher penalties for electoral corruption. What are the expectations?
- What comes next after the final conviction in the Ilan Șor case, and how will the Prosecution Service bring Vlad Plahotniuc, Veaceslav Platon, and Gheorghe Cavcaliuc to justice?
Note: The interview was recorded on December 24, 2024.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
