Minister Tanase’s three envelopes

Current Minister of Justice Alexandru Tanase recommends his future successor to continue reforming the legal system in the present formula, to strengthen the reform of the court decision implementation system and to attract funds for the reform of the penitentiary system. The minister made related statements in the April 15 meeting of the Chisinau Press Club, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The first thing I would emphasize is the need to maintain the same reformation ideas as it took us about a year and a half to define the goal. It was the most difficult period. All the projects are being finalized and approved and I think they will be submitted to the Government for adoption in at most 2-3 weeks. The first recommendation is thus not to deviate from the philosophy of the reform of the penal and civil procedures, the structural reform of justice in three important areas,” Alexandru Tanase said, answering to the Club members’ question about the recommendations he would make to his successor. “The penal reform will cover the Prosecutor’s Office, but I’m skeptical about any possible changes in this respect as they will meet with opposition in the Government and Parliament. But we can promote what the people expect from us. The people want rapid and clear progress in the reformation of the legal system. We cannot ensure equity as this is a matter concerning the human quality of the people working in the legal system. No minister will be able to fire and employ,” said the minister. “The second envelope concerns the reform of the court implementation decision system that we carried out. It was implemented quickly, as we planned, but certain situations appear that should be regulated separately by law. The given reform must be monitored during at least another year.” The third important aspect, according to the minister, is the attraction of foreign funds for reforming the penitentiary system. “At structural level, we do not have problems. The penitentiaries are not overpopulated and torture is not used. But the detention conditions are poor. In order to solve this problem we need money, but we can get money if we have at least a political mandate from the Government to discuss the issue with the foreign partners. Regretfully, I did not have this mandate. All the negotiations aimed at attracting funds were conducted by someone else and I cannot say what and with whom they negotiated,” Alexandru Tanase said. The minister reiterated that the post of minister of justice should be taken over by deputy minister Oleg Efrim because he took part in decision making and in the formulation of the conception, fundamental ideas and philosophy of the reform of the legal system. “He can have viewpoints different from mine and can abandon certain elements and add others, but the pace and direction will not change,” said Alexandru Tanase, adding nobody asked for his opinion in this respect as it will be the Prime Minister who will take a decision. Alexandru Tanase used the word ‘envelope’ in the context of the well-known funny story about the three envelopes that every chief should leave before dismissal, which are intended for the successor. The last envelope contains the recommendation “prepare three envelopes”... Recently, Alexandru Tanase was designated by the Government as judge of the Constitutional Court. He was sworn in as judge in Parliament. Within 30 days of the appointment, he is to vacate the seat of minister of justice.