Members of the group “Lawyers for Lawyers” said the lawyers in Moldova are marginalized as regards the state benefits provided based on social and health insurance. Even if they pay all the required contributions, they are not entitled to paid leave and the death benefit is the only allowance they receive.

In a news conference at IPN, group member Vladislav Gribincea said the lawyers pay contribution in a different way, based on the average contribution per country. “We pay as all the others on average, but what do we get instead? If a woman lawyer gives birth to a child, she is not entitled to maternity leave and child benefit. When we retire, even if we pay the same contributions on average, we will receive the minimum pension, as those who never paid contributions to the state. As regards other allowances, there are many benefits to which the lawyers are not entitled, such as paid leave. We receive only death benefit,” stated Vladislav Gribincea.

Group member Mariana Kriklivaya said the lawyers pay the full price of the health insurance policy and do not benefit from the right to purchase it at half price during the first three months, as other persons who must ensure themselves medically in an individual way do.

Laura Urschi, a member of the same group, said most of the problems faced by the Moldovan lawyers are caused by the legislative gaps. “The legal acts do not regulate the situation of lawyers so that these are marginalized in terms of payment of taxes, health insurance and social insurance,” she stated.

The lawyers said they do not encourage tax evasion, but want to be treated equitably and to enjoy medical and social services depending on the contributions they pay.

Twelve lawyers of the Chisinau Bar Association, who are members of the group “Lawyers for Lawyers”, on April 15 announced that they will compete in a team for the executive posts in the self-management bodies of the Bar. The lawyers united their efforts in a move to contribute to reforming the Bar. The 12 lawyers are: Natalia Molosag, Mihai Lupu, Vladislav Gribincea, Veaceslav Turcan, Feodosia Tascic, Nicolae Rosca, Dorin Popescu, Laura Urschi, Eduard Digore, Ana Beriozchin, Tudor Osoianu, and Mariana Kriklivaya.