Moldovan Parliament scraps controversial law threatening Bar Association independence
On February 12, Moldovan lawmakers voted to repeal controversial amendments to the Law on Advocacy that would have allowed Justice Ministry officials to sit on lawyer licensing and disciplinary commissions.
The reversal comes after a tense standoff between the government and the legal community, which argued the 2025 legislation undermined the Bar’s independence and invited political interference.
Presidential intervention and EU pressure
President Maia Sandu previously refused to sign the bill into law, returning it to Parliament for reconsideration. She emphasized that a genuine reform must guarantee institutional transparency and meritocracy without compromising professional autonomy.
The decision to scrap the amendments was also heavily influenced by a critical assessment from the European Commission in December, which explicitly warned against Executive interference in the Bar’s internal governance.
Expert and political reactions
Veronica Roșca, Chair of the Legal Committee on Appointments and Immunities, stated that the objections raised by the President were fully accepted. She noted that future reforms would align strictly with European Union standards.
"The Justice Ministry has no place in the Bar Association's commissions," stated MP Ion Chicu, citing the European Commission’s findings. Justice expert Vadim Vieru of Promo-LEX added that the new legislative path ensures transparency without sacrificing the freedom of the legal profession.
Context of the legal strike
The legislative saga began in July 2025, triggering a nationwide strike by lawyers. The protest only subsided after President Sandu signaled her intent to veto the controversial provisions.
The revised law now focuses on aligning Moldova’s legal framework with EU directives. It includes provisions that will allow lawyers qualified in EU member states to practice in Moldova once the country officially joins the bloc.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
