Judicial power must be impartial and independent of any kind of political influence

Sandra Kalniete MEP, Chairwoman of the EPP Group Working Group on Foreign Affairs, and Cristian Preda MEP, EPP Group Spokesman in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, have made the following statement:

“We express our serious concern and regret regarding the decision taken yesterday by the Chişinău Court to invalidate the local elections that took place in the capital of Moldova.

Elections are the cornerstone of any democratic regime. The results of the vote on 3 June should be fully respected as they reflect the political will of the citizens of Chişinău.

It is essential for the judicial power to be impartial and independent of any kind of political influence.

Moldova could deepen its cooperation with the European Union and pursue its European path only if democratic principles are respected, including strict separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary.”