Moldovan president conveys message on International Anti-Corruption Day

Chisinau, 9 December /MOLDPRES/ - President Maia Sandu today came up with a message on the International Anti-Corruption Day. In the message, the head of state stressed that, during time, the corruption had caused major damages to Moldova and its citizens, the presidential press service has reported.   

„The big corrupts stole tens of billions of lei from the state budget, i.e. from people, money which should have been invested in the energy security of the country, in settlements’ development, in better roads, in modern hospitals and schools, in the defence system. The corruption  weakened and discredited the state’s institutions and at a certain moment, it became a significant threat to the continuation of the democratic way and for the security of Moldova,’’ Maia Sandu said.    

The head of state also emphasized that the problem of the systemic corruption, faced by the citizens day after day, was equally harmful and disappointing.

„It reduces the access to quality medical and educational services, hinders the growth of businesses and suffocates the country’s economic development, cutting the number of jobs and sending away people from the country to look for economic opportunities elsewhere. The corruption hits the well-being and lives of people as directly as possible. Today, on the International Anti-Corruption Day, let us everybody reaffirm our commitment to fight against this scourge,’’ President Maia Sandu pointed out in her message.     

According to the head of state, the justice reform, as well as the consolidation of the independence and capacity of the corruption combating institutions represents key elements in this fight. The cleaning of all public institutions, centrally and locally, represents a major task of the government and of the law-enforcement bodies.   

„I express gratitude to the honest people, who work for combating corruption – inquirers, prosecutors, integrity inspectors, judges, policemen. I express appreciation for the work of investigation journalists and civil society organizations, who disclose corruption acts and contribute to the strengthening of people’s support in the fight against corruption,’’ the Moldovan president’s speech also reads.       

Also, the head of state expressed respect for any citizen who does not allow to take or to give bribe. ‘’We must be grateful also to the citizens who signal corruption acts, fight for justice, do not give in to pressures and do not give up getting corruption to surface and the corrupt people – to be sent to court. The external support which we enjoy in our fight against corruption is quite important. We can get the country from the gray area of corruption only together,’’ Maia Sandu added.     

Photo: Presidency