Judicial reform: Moldova initiates external evaluation for specialized corruption panels
The Evaluation Commission has formally launched the external vetting process for judges previously serving on specialized anti-corruption panels. This mandatory integrity screening targets magistrates from the Chișinău Court who handled corruption cases dating back to January 1, 2017.
The move follows legislative amendments passed in late January 2025. These changes retroactively expanded the categories of judges subject to mandatory external evaluation, a key component of Moldova’s justice sector reform.
Official notifications issued
On February 5, the Commission dispatched official notifications to 16 identified judges based on lists approved by the Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM). Notable names among the 16 include Tatiana Bivol, Angela Vasilenco, and Sergiu Ciobanu.
Three additional judges—Vitalie Budeci, Ana Cucerescu, and Angela Catană—received supplemental notices. They were already undergoing evaluation for promotions or leadership roles but will now be scrutinized under this specific anti-corruption mandate.
Strict compliance timeline
The notified magistrates have 20 calendar days to submit comprehensive documentation. This includes asset and interest disclosures for the past five years and a detailed ethics questionnaire.
Following this submission window, the Commission will analyze financial integrity and professional conduct. This "vetting" mechanism was declared constitutional in 2023 and remains a cornerstone of Moldova’s EU accession path.
Political and institutional friction
The expansion of the vetting process was prompted by President Maia Sandu, who cited concerns over intentional procedural delays in corruption trials. She argued that some judges stall cases to allow statutes of limitations to expire.
However, the Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM) has challenged the measure before the Constitutional Court. The SCM argues that the retroactive expansion risks undermining judicial independence and lacked sufficient institutional consultation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
