Previous administration of Interior Ministry was excessively politicized, Victor Catan

The new Minister of the Interior wants to improve the reputation of the police in the society. According to Victor Catan, the image of the police was damaged because the previous administration of the Ministry of the Interior was excessively politicized. The major reforms will center on the certification of the personnel and liquidation of corruption pyramids inside the Ministry, Victor Catan told a news conference on October 6, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. “I think my most important task is to improve the image of the police in the society. The police are obliged to make sure that the rights and interests of the people are observed,” the minister said. He stressed that in order to achieve this objective, no acts of torture and inhuman treatment of detainees and other persons by the police must be admitted. “The national police were exclusively politicized. They were involved in different events held under the aegis of the ruling party. This was the most important condition that favored the abuses before and after April 7,” Victor Catan said. “We intend to fully depoliticize the police. We will not take into account the political orientations or group interests, but will ensure the supremacy of the law.” Victor Catan said the Ministry has professional employees, but about half of the police officers are younger than 26. “The young people do not have the necessary experience. We will be making effort to train them so that they strictly observe the fundamental human rights and freedoms,” the minister said. He also said that the Ministry's personnel will be reduced by 5% in order to save money. Steps will be taken to discover appropriation cases and identify resources needed to purchase the necessary equipment as “the Ministry has enough beautiful cars.” Victor Catan refused to say whether the current deputy ministers will continue to hold the posts or there will be named new deputy minsters.