President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu today participated in the “Reforming Justice and Combating Corruption” Forum, where she spoke about progress made in reforming the justice system and the difficulties that still persist in the process. The head of state stressed that, although changes have not taken place as quickly as society would have liked, the system is beginning to clean itself up and deliver results, TRIBUNA reports.

The President highlighted the renewal of the Superior Council of Magistracy and the Superior Council of Prosecutors, the ongoing reform of the Supreme Court of Justice, and the continuation of the external evaluation of judges and prosecutors. She also noted the growing number of major corruption cases, the existence of court rulings in some of these cases, improvements to the legislation, and progress in recovering assets and money obtained through criminal activities. The head of state also referred to existing delays, vacant positions, and the heavy workload faced by people who work honestly within the system: “The things we have managed to accomplish are due to the work of people in our institutions who had the courage, patience and strength to keep working,” the President said.

The head of state reiterated that building the rule of law is the most complex commitment in the process of joining the European Union and that the effects of the reform must be sustainable and endure over time. The President also addressed the role of the justice system in protecting the Republic of Moldova from threats generated by hybrid warfare, emphasizing that illegal political party financing, attempts to buy votes and political corruption can only be countered by a strong rule-of-law state.

In conclusion, the head of state stressed that the results achieved so far provide confidence that the transformation of the justice system can be completed. “I want us to have confidence in our efforts, and I want us to have confidence in our ability to reach our ultimate goal, which is an independent justice system, knowing that independence entails integrity and accountability,” the President concluded.