Society

​MOLDOVA’S DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS SAY CORRUPTION HAS STRUCK ROOT INTO ALL MOLDOVAN STATE INSTITUTIONS

05 march, 2015

In Moldova, corruption is endemic and systemic, entrenched in the full range of government institutions and at every level and includes state capture of key institutions to benefit private interests. This assessment is confirmed by independent studies and public surveys, the development partners of Moldova have written in their Briefing Book that was handed in to the Moldovan Government on March 4.

The document said that most importantly of all, it is confirmed in the daily lives of Moldovan citizens. The results of this corruption are seen in the poor performance of the economy and in the violation of human rights.

“Potential investors, both domestic and international, decide to invest elsewhere, and fewer Moldovans have well-paying jobs. Traffickers of children go free under non-transparent measures, attracting more criminals to prey on Moldovan children”, said the Briefing Book.

Its authors wrote that the confidence of the people of Moldova in their national government is in decline and influenced by their knowledge that their underpaid, yet unaccountable, public servants live well in excess of their official salaries. The average monthly salary in public administration in 2011 was roughly $275.

The formation of a new Government following November’s elections presents a key opportunity for Moldova to tackle the scourge of corruption in public life. To have any chance of success it must be led by example from the top and have the full buy-in of all coalition partners, said the Briefing Book.

The country’s development partners presume that all senior government officials namely President, Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice, Chairman of the Superior Council of Magistrates, should speak publicly and often on the imperative to stop corrupt practices now. Prosecute openly high-ranking officials charged with committing corrupt practices. All representatives of government must publicly commit to transparency and integrity. This starts with ensuring that decisions with economic value are made openly.

They recommended removing the immunity from criminal liability for members of Parliament, as this would be a very visible symbol to the Moldovan people of their leaders acting by example. As a minimum it should include lifting immunity from prosecution on grounds of corruption. Parliamentary leaders could set an example by unilaterally renouncing their immunity.

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