The Lawyers Union of Moldova send a note to the Speaker of Parliament, which says that the arguments invoked by the authors of the legislative initiative that enables the MPs to become lawyers without passing the bar are complete inventions. The Union’s members consider this bill is aimed at creating a favored regime for admission to the bar for a small group of people.

Lawyers Union president Nina Lozan, in a news conference at IPN, said the MPs debate a bill that affects the bar functioning principles without having the necessary expertise. This happens even if a bill to amend the Law on Advocacy, drafted by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the Union and in consultation with the Council of Europe, was registered in Parliament last May. The lawyers are very disappointed with the fact that the legislature ignores this important work, but discusses another bill whereby the MPs pave the way for being admitted to the bar without taking the bar exam. For now the Lawyers Union received no answer to the note issued a week ago.

Lawyer Octavian Cazac noted that the adoption of this bill by Parliament can be regarded as a conflict of interests because the MPs, who are public servants, proposed an initiative that favors them directly compared with other law graduates.

Lawyer Victor Pantaru said this initiative will affect first of all not the bar or the lawyers, but the right to defense that is ensured by lawyers. The MPs are trying to bypass the criteria for selecting professionals for the bar, mainly irreproachable reputation and competence.

Lawyer Petru Munteanu called on the group of MPs who proposed this initiative to withdraw it as it is not welcome and requested to examine the bill drafted by the Ministry of Justice as this will enable to more effectively safeguard the rights of the people.

The representatives of the Lawyers Union said that if the legislative initiative is passed by Parliament, the Union will mount protests and the lawyers of Moldova will go on a general strike.