Vladimir Ristovski: The consolidation of the democratic transition has not been finished

The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe in Moldova, Vladimir Ristovski, offered an interview to Info-Prim Neo on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of Moldova’s accession to the Council of Europe, marked in July. [- Which of the objectives set up 12 years ago have been achieved and which of them failed to be achieved?] A lot of efforts have been done Europe to become a common home for the citizens of Moldova. However, the consolidation of the democratic transition has not been finished. [- What are the present day priorities of Moldova in the context of its membership in the Council of Europe and the commitments assumed?] The good governance at local level, delivery of high quality of justice, deterrence from corruption and money laundering as well as combating, efficient protection of human rights and full enjoyment of democratic freedoms, and intensive cooperation with the civil society would be the main challenges in the years to come. The new concept on local public finance, independence of the prosecutorial service, access to justice, modern anti-corruption and money laundering policies, revision of the investigation competencies concerning cases of corruption, reform of the electoral system, and the status of NGOs should be treated as priorities of the current legislative reform process. Furthermore, better local self-government services, completion of the judicial proceedings within reasonable time, improvement of the execution of domestic court decisions, independent, impartial and efficient functioning of the law enforcement bodies, audiovisual sector, Ombudsman and other democratic institutions deserve continued attention as well. [ - What are your comments on the fact that Moldova continues to be under the CoE monitoring after 12 years of membership, a case without precedent in the Council of Europe relations with other European states?] Building of sustainable democracy and enhancing of the ownership of common values and principles is a complex and long-term process. It would also be unrealistic to assume that the present state of democracy, rule of law and human rights fully satisfy the needs of human dignity. It requires continuous commitment and will to accept the procedural and institutional improvements in accordance with the CoE acquis.