Moldova’s presidential administration has asked the country’s anti-corruption office what President Maia Sandu should do about a prize of 30,000 euros, which she received for her commitment to European values.
President Sandu who is known for her pro-Western stance received the “ Timişoara for European Values” award from mayor Dominic Fritz on January 13. The award, which was established by the Municipality of Timişoara, the cradle of the Romanian revolution, honors internationally recognized personalities who show determination, courage and creativity to promote or defend European values.
But lawmaker Olesea Stamate, chairwoman of Parliament’s Legal Commission, Appointments and Immunity, said that Moldovan law bars the head of state from accepting a monetary award.
Presidential spokeswoman Irina Gotisan-Sotnic said that Ms Sandu had not yet received the monetary prize.
“When it is clear whether the law allows its reception, the presidential institution will act transparently and inform the public about how these resources will be used,” she said.
“International awards offered for the progress of Moldova, as a sign of appreciation for the efforts of the President of Moldova, are a recognition of the achievements of all citizens and adherence to the values of democracy and freedom,” she said.
“Such prizes, in my view, do not fall within the concept of gifts under national law. In order to clarify any suspicion, the presidential institution sent a request to (the anti-corruption office) to give us an answer on how the legislation treats such situations,” Ms Gotisan-Sotnic said.
Ms Sandu who was elected to lead the small ex-Soviet state in 2020 has made anti-corruption, economic reform and liberalization a central part of her political platform, as well as closer integration with Europe.
Together with Ukraine, Moldova was officially granted EU candidate status in June last year, a major step on the path towards full membership.
“I was honored to receive … the “Timişoara for European Values” award. (It) is an appreciation for all citizens of the Republic of Moldova who defend their right to live in freedom, peace and democracy.”
“ I would like to thank Mayor Dominic Fritz for the invitation and the jury, made up of outstanding personalities from Romania… for this distinction. I accept it as a vote of confidence in the capacity of the Republic of Moldova and its citizens to carry out the fight for freedom – a just, legitimate and necessary fight for our European future and for peace,” the Moldovan president wrote on Facebook.
The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) awarded Sandu its 2023 Freedom Fighter Award, which honors individuals who embody the spirit of democratic resilience in the face of authoritarianism.
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