{"id":1328,"date":"2019-08-19T16:31:22","date_gmt":"2019-08-19T14:31:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zdg.md\/eng\/?p=1328"},"modified":"2019-08-19T16:38:38","modified_gmt":"2019-08-19T14:38:38","slug":"1328","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zdg.md\/en\/1328\/","title":{"rendered":"Moldova, Explained by ZdG. August 19, 2019."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"has-text-color has-vivid-red-color\"><strong>HAPPENING THIS WEEK<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Greetings from Chi\u015fin\u0103u! Here\u2019s what\u2019s happening this week: Our feature story examines the latest appointments to Moldova\u2019s Constitutional Court \u2013 an institution that was at the epicenter of Vlad Plahotniuc attempted power grab during the standoff between the two governments in June. Politics Editor Petru Grozavu asks why President Dodon and the Socialist Party are in such a rush to sign a new governance agreement to extend the coalition with the ACUM Bloc, while ZdG writer Daniela Bechet examines the implications of having a Harvard-educated Government of Moldova. Plus we have an exclusive interview with&nbsp; retired judge Dumitru Visternicean, who shares how he managed to maintain his principles while working in Moldova\u2019s infamously corrupt justice system from 1982 to 2018. We also ask the experts whether or not the National Anticorruption Center really lacks the authority to tackle high-level corruption cases. All of that and more in this week\u2019s newsletter. Enjoying what you see? Then don\u2019t forget to like our new English-language&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Ziarul-de-Garda-English-version-103364337681137\/?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook page<\/a>&nbsp;for the latest updates from ZDG between newsletters. Happy reading!&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"has-text-color has-vivid-red-color\"><strong>THIS WEEK\u2019S FEATURE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CONSTITUTIONAL COURT<\/strong>:&nbsp;The Constitutional Court was involved in a number of controversial decisions made in favor of the previously governing Democratic Party (PDM) \u2013 and saw a wave of resignations after the PDM Government was ousted in June. Now, six independent candidates have been selected to fill the vacancies among judges in Moldova\u2019s Constitutional Court. But one of them, Serghei \u021aurcan, served as a judge under the PDM Government as well. Now, the main question is whether or not the new appointees will be able to restore society\u2019s trust in the judicial institution. To get to know the new Constitutional Court judges better,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zdg.md\/eng\/political\/the-constitutional-court-has-six-newly-appointed-judges?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\">ZdG offers a break down<\/a>&nbsp;of their CVs and assets declarations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"has-text-color has-vivid-red-color\"><strong>FROM THE EDITORS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>COALITION AGREEMENT:<\/strong>&nbsp;The Socialist Party is insisting on signing a four-year coalition agreement with the ACUM Bloc to replace the current provisional one. But President Dodon could just be using the ACUM Bloc to strengthen his party\u2019s position in society ahead of the upcoming local, Presidential and (possible) Parliamentary elections. \u201cFor Dodon, the February parliamentary elections are not over,\u201d explains&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zdg.md\/eng\/political\/are-the-february-elections-not-over-yet?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ZdG\u2019s Politics Editor Petru Grozavu<\/a>. \u201cDodon continues to dream of a presidential republic and since this is impossible on a parliamentary basis, he is looking for an alternative to his old obsession.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>HARVARD GOVERNMENT:<\/strong>&nbsp;Moldova\u2019s Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Minister of Economy all hold degrees from Harvard University, as do two newly appointed state secretaries. And while the high cost of studying at an American institution raises some suspicions, there are plenty of benefits to studying in the Ivy League.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zdg.md\/eng\/social\/the-harvard-government?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ZdG writer Daniela Bechet<\/a>&nbsp;explores what Moldova\u2019s \u201cHarvard Government\u201d has to offer the country\u2019s citizens, with the caveat that \u201ca diploma, no matter how beautiful it may be, does not offer any guarantee for success. Only the actions of each leader can justify or disappoint these promises.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"has-text-color has-vivid-red-color\"><strong>THE FOREIGN BRIEF<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY<\/strong>: During the swearing in ceremony of the new Governor of the Autonomous Territorial Unit (UTA) of G\u0103g\u0103uzia, President Igor Dodon said that a former Bashkan could be the country\u2019s next&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zdg.md\/eng\/political\/moldovas-next-ambassador-to-turkey-could-be-a-former-bashkan-of-uta-gagauzia?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ambassador to Turkey<\/a>. According to&nbsp; the President, he and Prime Minister Maia Sandu have recommended a former Governor of G\u0103g\u0103uzia to the post. \u201c[This] will contribute to the development of normal relations between different nationalities in the Republic of Moldova,\u201d the Head of State said. Turkey has an increasing presence in Moldova and has been investing heavily in the small Turkish minority region. &nbsp;The name of the next Ambassador has yet to be confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"has-text-color has-vivid-red-color\"><strong>ZDG INVESTIGATES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW<\/strong>: Judge Dumitru Visternicean began his career in 1982 and worked within Moldova\u2019s justice system until his honorable retirement in 2018. Moldova\u2019s judiciary is plagued by corruption and garners a low-level of public trust, but according to Visternicean he always managed to maintain his professional independence. In an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zdg.md\/eng\/political\/interview-with-dumitru-visternicean-judge-in-honorable-resignation?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">exclusive interview with ZdG<\/a>, he shares his perspective on justice from inside and outside of the system, his experience working in the justice system during the Soviet period versus under various post-independence governments, and explains how he remained true to his principles. \u201cThe perception that people do not trust the judicial system is real and its credibility is really low. Even though some blame external factors that distort information, I think that the blame is, first and foremost, on justice itself,\u201d he told ZdG. \u201cWhen justice becomes unjust, how will the citizens understand you?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ANTI-CORRUPTION<\/strong>: During an August 12 meeting with E.U. experts, the new director of Moldova\u2019s National Anticorruption Center, Ruslan Flocea, admitted that the institution is powerless when it comes to investigating high-level corruption cases. \u201cThe Center needs more authority,\u201d Flocea explained, asking for help from the international specialists on fighting corruption and money launder, and recovering stolen assets. But is this really the case?<a href=\"https:\/\/zdg.md\/eng\/political\/poll-can-the-national-anticorruption-center-fight-corruption?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&nbsp;ZdG asks Moldova\u2019s experts<\/a>&nbsp;what\u2019s standing in the way of the National Anticorruption Center\u2019s fight against corruption.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ELECTORAL CHANGES<\/strong>: The Moldovan Parliament passed several changes to the Electoral Code in a final reading on August 15. The next day, President Igor Dodon enacted a return to the proportional electoral system as a matter of urgency \u2013 revoking the mixed voting system that the Socialist and Democratic parties had previously voted for in July 2017. Here\u2019s what you need to know about the latest updates to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zdg.md\/eng\/political\/moldovas-president-urgently-enacts-proportional-electoral-system?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moldova\u2019s electoral system<\/a>, which overturn the controversial legislative changes that garnered criticism from the Venice Commission under the Democratic Party Government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FAMILY DISCOUNT:<\/strong>&nbsp;In February 2019, the former brother-in-law of a bailiff purchased a sequestered apartment in Chi\u0219in\u0103u at a fifty percent discount at a suspicious closed auction. The apartment previously belonged to a family who lost the property after their son acted as a guarantor for a 1,515 euro loan.&nbsp; Nevertheless, the courts confirmed that the auction was legal and the property was registered to the Bailiff&#8217;s brother-in-law before the previous owners could challenge the decision.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zdg.md\/eng\/investigative\/bailiffs-former-brother-in-law-gets-fifty-percent-discount-on-seized-apartment?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ZdG investigates<\/a>&nbsp;why the apartment was lost and how it ended up in the hands of a Bailiff\u2019s brother-in-law for such a low price.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FLY ONE:<\/strong>&nbsp;The Chi\u015fin\u0103u Court of Appeal has ordered the Moldovan&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zdg.md\/eng\/political\/chisinau-court-of-appeal-forces-fly-one-to-pay-state-budget-debt?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discount airline Fly One<\/a>&nbsp;to pay over 500 thousand euros to the state budget, after overturning an appeal the company made to the Chi\u015fin\u0103u Court (Centru) on March 19, 2019. The decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Moldova\u2019s Civil Aviation Authority. One of the biggest companies in Moldova, Fly One is tied to Maria Cebotari, one of the company\u2019s founders and the wife of the former Minister of Justice, and is managed by former director of the Civil Aviation Authority, Mircea Maleca.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"has-text-color has-vivid-red-color\"><strong>MOLDOVA IN WORLD NEWS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EASTERN SUMMER<\/strong>: \u201cTo assume eastern Europe is all Orbans, Erdogans and Putins is to do the region a grave injustice. This summer has proved that eastern Europe is in fact teeming with democrats and liberals willing to put their own interests on the line for their cause,\u201d writes&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.economist.com\/europe\/2019\/08\/08\/the-eastern-summer?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Economist\u2019s Charlemagne columnist<\/a>. Moldova\u2019s anti-oligarch coalition is just one example of a pro-democratic wave in Eastern Europe \u2013 ranging from the election of President Zuzana Caputova in Slovakia to the demonstrations in Moscow. And these liberal-minded voters and protestors need the European Union\u2019s support to succeed, the Economist columnist argues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FINANCIAL PRESSURE<\/strong>: For&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/balkaninsight.com\/2019\/08\/15\/moldova-hunts-foreign-loans-to-reboot-battered-economy\/?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Balkan Insight,<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/balkaninsight.com\/author\/madalin-necsutu\/?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Madalin Necsutu<\/a>&nbsp;explains how Prime Minister Maia Sandu\u2019s Government is seeking out loans from Western partners and international financial institutions to solve the financial problems inherited from their predecessor, the Democratic Party Government. Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/intellinews.com\/moldova-s-parliament-to-tackle-fiscal-tightening-bill-despite-expert-committee-s-vote-166123\/?source=moldova&amp;utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bne IntelliNews<\/a>&nbsp;warns that failure to pass the proposed fiscal tightening bill could put Moldova\u2019s expected funding from the International Monetary Fund, the European Union and Romania at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EUROPEAN SUPPORT<\/strong>: The support of the European Union is key to the survival of Moldova\u2019s coalition government, which must face challenges head on to set itself apart from the previous regime. \u201cIf the government shows convincing results, then the support of European partners will increase and diversify,\u201d explains&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipn.md\/en\/moldovas-fragile-government-and-the-european-agenda-by-2020-op-ed-7978_1067396.html?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dionis Cenusa<\/a>, arguing that \u201cEuropean integration takes place through gaining results, even if the political enemies contributed to them.\u201d In other words, if the PSRM-ACUM Bloc coalition wants to make progress, they will have to address the success, as well as the failures, of their predecessors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MEMORY POLITICS<\/strong>: Prime Minister Maia Sandu has proposed making August 23 a day of remembrance for the victims of totalitarian and authoritarian regime, in line with the European Day of Remembrance for the victims of Stalinism and Nazism. But in Moldova, August 23 marks the day in 1944 when the Red Army entered the country \u2013 and the Prime Minister\u2019s proposal has sparked resistance from the pro-Russian Socialist Party, who are still making plans to commemorate the Red Army\u2019s victory on that day,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/balkaninsight.com\/2019\/08\/15\/pms-plan-to-commemorate-victims-of-totalitarianism-divides-moldova\/?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Balkan Insight<\/a>&nbsp;reports.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\" class=\"has-text-color has-vivid-red-color\"><strong>SPOTTED THIS WEEK<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CONGRESSMAN IN CHI\u015eIN\u0102U<\/strong>: The American Embassy in Chi\u015fin\u0103u welcomed&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/U.S.EmbassyMoldova\/?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Congressman Mike Quigley<\/a>&nbsp;to Moldova on August 14, when his delegation met with the country\u2019s President Igor Dodon, Prime Minister Maia Sandu and Parliamentary Speaker Zinaida Greceanii. They discussed a range of issues including the need for important reforms in the justice sector, combating corruption and ensuring strong, independent institutions. The Congressman also met with the Prime Minister to discuss American financial assistance to Moldova and relaunching the Moldova\u2013U.S.A. Strategic Dialogue, among other things.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GENDER EQUALITY<\/strong>: On August 14, the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/parlament.md\/Actualitate\/Comunicatedepresa\/tabid\/90\/ContentId\/5294\/Page\/0\/fbclid\/IwAR3pYe7k8YVhwsbDGWpHPgNVNMPQKy_7Ykr6Wz_zMGog2ZpQhKzoZV_zGJQ\/language\/en-US\/Default.aspx?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UN Women representative to Moldova<\/a>&nbsp;met with the President of the Parliament, Zinaida Grecean\u00eei to discuss progress in the field of gender equality in the country. They also talked about the next steps that Moldova should follow as to assure full gender equality and additional support for women; encouraging them to participate in decision making processes and the development of social policies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ECONOMY &amp; INFRASTRUCTURE<\/strong>: The Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, Vadim Br\u00eenzan, met with the E.U. Ambassador to Moldova, Peter Michalko, and the High Councilors of the European Union to discuss support for Moldova through the appointment of two E.U. advisors in the field of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mei.gov.md\/ro\/content\/ministrul-vadim-brinzan-dialog-cu-inaltii-consilieri-ai-uniunii-europene?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">trade and transport<\/a>. During the August 16 meeting, the two parties also discussed the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure\u2019s Action Plan and priorities for 2019-2020.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thank you for your continued interest! To keep up with our Moldova coverage throughout the week, you can like us on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Ziarul-de-Garda-English-version-103364337681137\/?utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a>, follow us on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zdg.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=625e529534f3941e9f24693fa&amp;id=49ced5d0dd&amp;e=055246de12&amp;utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Twitter @ZiarulDe<\/a>&nbsp;or check in at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zdg.us7.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=625e529534f3941e9f24693fa&amp;id=475c310ac5&amp;e=055246de12&amp;utm_source=organizatii+straine&amp;utm_campaign=143a0b2de7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_19_01_06&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_2844804c50-143a0b2de7-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">zdg.md\/eng<\/a>&nbsp;for our latest stories in English. More subscription options coming soon. Until next week!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2013 Daniela Bechet,&nbsp; Cristina Carmanu, Maksym Eristavi, Eilish Hart and others from the ZdG Newsroom. Created with support from the Russian Language News Exchange.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HAPPENING THIS WEEK Greetings from Chi\u015fin\u0103u! Here\u2019s what\u2019s happening this week: Our feature story examines the latest appointments to Moldova\u2019s Constitutional Court \u2013 an institution that was at the epicenter of Vlad Plahotniuc attempted power grab during the standoff between the two governments in June. Politics Editor Petru Grozavu asks why President Dodon and the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1010,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,10,8,4],"tags":[],"autor":[],"class_list":["post-1328","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-important","category-news","category-people","category-political"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Moldova, Explained by ZdG. 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