Ștefan cel Mare" Academy: New era for Moldova law enforcement
Applying the law "with wisdom and respect for fundamental rights," demonstrating "integrity," and fulfilling their obligations "with honor and dignity" were among the pieces of advice given on July 7 to the 240 graduates of the 31st class of the "Ștefan cel Mare" Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI).
They received their graduation diplomas during a solemn ceremony held in the Great National Assembly Square, with professors, officials, and parents in attendance.
"Today, in the heart of Chișinău, a place of profound historical and identity significance, we celebrate a new generation of law enforcement professionals. The 31st class is truly remarkable, and this celebration is even more special as we approach the Academy's 35th anniversary," stated Police Chief Commissioner Dinu Ostavciuc, the institution's rector and a Doctor Habilitated, in an emotional speech.
The rector emphasized that the "Ștefan cel Mare" Academy is not merely a place for professional training but also a community united by values such as discipline, honor, and respect for the law. He encouraged the graduates to maintain their integrity, humanity, and composure when applying the law, regardless of the profession's challenges.
"Although you have worn the uniform and undertaken real missions, behind it beats a human heart. I urge you to apply the law with wisdom and respect for fundamental rights," was the rector's exhortation to the future law enforcement officers.
This graduating class of the "Ștefan cel Mare" Academy stood out not only for their remarkable academic results but also for their active involvement in social and extracurricular life, highlighted Daniela Misail-Nichitin, the Minister of Internal Affairs, during the ceremony.
"Our graduates have gone through their years of study with responsibility and determination, at an institution renowned for its rigor and high standards. And beyond that, you excelled academically. I am proud of you, dear graduates, and I want to state this before the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, and indeed the entire country: the "Ștefan cel Mare" Academy team won first place in the Law Faculties Olympiad in the Republic of Moldova, surpassing all other specialized institutions in this country. You are the best, I congratulate you for that. I wish you fulfilling careers, and in life, to maintain a balance between duty and soul, between honor and humanity. European Moldova needs your professionalism and integrity. I am proud of this class," declared the Minister.
The Speaker of Parliament, Igor Grosu, in turn, urged the graduates to always demonstrate responsibility when serving the state and its citizens.
"Today, you conclude an important stage in your lives, but what follows will matter even more – for you, for the citizens, and for the country. Through your attitude, integrity, and dedication, we can build, step by step, a European Moldova, peaceful and prosperous," affirmed the head of the legislature.
Igor Grosu also evoked a symbol of our people’s suffering, noting the presence in the Great National Assembly Square of two wagons that recreate the ordeal of deportations during the Soviet period.
"These wagons remind us of the tragic fate of our great-grandparents, deported simply because they worked, because they were industrious and prosperous people. Your mission, as future law enforcement professionals, is never to allow such atrocities again. Always stand with the people. (...) Carry out this mission with honor and dignity. Never forget: you are in the service of the citizen, the state, and democratic values," emphasized the Speaker of Parliament.
It is worth noting that 43 graduates of the "Ștefan cel Mare" Academy received diplomas for studies in Law, 100 in Public Administration, and 87 in Border Security.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
