The profession of a judge has become less attractive in recent years, and the lack of magistrates puts pressure on the justice system and affects citizens’ access to efficient justice. These issues were discussed at the national conference organized by the Superior Council of Magistracy, where participants proposed measures to attract young people to study at the National Institute of Justice and to retain the existing magistrates in the system, reports IPN.

The President of the SCM, Sergiu Caraman, stated that the shortage of judges, the large volume of work, the need for modern working conditions and adequate remuneration are topics that need to be openly and responsibly discussed. According to Sergiu Caraman, the issue is not just about the interests of a profession, but about the citizens’ right to professional and independent justice.

The President of the Constitutional Court, Domnica Manole, emphasized that the attractiveness of the judicial profession does not only mean filling vacant positions, but creating a system where the magistracy is a career based on competence, responsibility, and independence. Domnica Manole mentioned that transparent selection procedures, continuous professional training, and conditions that allow judges to perform their duties at high standards are necessary.

The Minister of Justice, Vladislav Cojuhari, asserts that the future of the justice system depends on the people who choose this profession and contribute to its credibility. The official emphasized the need to attract more candidates for the position of judge and to retain them in the system. In his opinion, young people are motivated to pursue this career when they have professional role models to follow.

According to the 2024 Report of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice of the Council of Europe, in 2022, the Republic of Moldova had approximately 15 judges per 100,000 inhabitants. In 2023, the number dropped to nearly 14 judges per 100,000 inhabitants, which means 346 active judges. The reduction took place against the backdrop of departures from the system during the external evaluation period of the judges. In 2024, 54 judges were released from their positions, of which 41 from the courts of appeal and 13 from the courts.