Maia Sandu denies claims about vetting process list
President Maia Sandu of the Republic of Moldova confirmed that she had a discussion with Veronica Dragalin, the former head of the Anti Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, but strongly rejected claims that she had asked for a list of prosecutors considered to have integrity to expedite the vetting process. The president made these remarks to the press during the General Assembly of Judges.
“The conversation focused on the possibility of giving priority to the evaluation of prosecutors from the Anti Corruption Prosecutor’s Office as part of the vetting process. There was never any discussion about the results of this evaluation,” the head of state stated.
Maia Sandu clarified that her recommendation was for Dragalin to engage with the vetting commission to accelerate the evaluation of prosecutors working on nationally significant cases, so they could continue their duties.
These statements come in the wake of the recent publication of a letter—purportedly signed by Veronica Dragalin—by anti corruption expert Cristina Ciubotaru. In the letter, Dragalin claims that both Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean asked her for a list of prosecutors expected to pass the vetting process. She refused, citing the risk that such a list could be used for political purposes.
After the letter was published, the Presidency described the accusations as false and regrettable, reaffirming that the vetting process is aimed at rooting out corruption and promoting integrity in the justice system.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
