Moldovan parliament approves new rules for civil servants, trainees

The parliament today adopted, in second reading, a draft law updating the regulatory framework governing the activity of public officials. The document, developed by the State Chancellery, proposes amendments to ten legislative acts.

Among the most important provisions, there are the establishment of clear criteria for occupying the positions of state secretary in the government and ministries, as well as the delegation of the powers of human resources’ management to the secretary-general of the ministry. At the same time, the deputy general secretaries will have new responsibilities in the field of European integration.

The draft provides stricter rules for employment of senior officials, including clarifying the composition of competition committees and those for handling appeals, as well as the candidates' right to challenge results. Moreover, more restrictive requirements for public dignity positions are introduced, and the post-mandate restriction period for declaring assets and interests will be extended from 12 months to 2 years.

Another important measure targets increasing the scholarships for public service trainees from 3,000 to 3,500 lei, as well as increasing the allowance for mentors from 1,250 to 1,500 lei. A total of 450 thousand lei will be allocated to fund approximately 100 trainees and 100 mentors.

The draft law also introduces new positions in the structure of public authorities, including the main advisor in the office of Moldova’s President, the Parliament Speaker and the Prime Minister. The position of chief architect in local public authorities will be transformed into a leadership office.

An amendment proposed by MP Veronica Rosca stipulates the establishment of the position of general secretary at the Central Electoral Commission (CEC). The measure aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of CEC, including attracting specialists in monitoring the financing of political parties and electoral campaigns.