Moldova 2010: Challenges and Options for National Development. Human Rights, Civil Society and Democratisation in the Vision of Political Parties

In the context of the announced early elections for 2010, the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup” considers that these debates are of maximum social and political interest and represent a very good opportunity for political parties to present their electoral offers and to receive the first reactions from the general public, as well as from colleagues from other parties.

In general, political parties will be invited to express their views on the following topics:
• How can the genuine independence of judges be balanced with avoiding the creation of self-sufficient interest groups with their own political agenda? How can judges' accountability for incorrect decisions, including decisions that cause major damage to the public budget, be increased without affecting judges' independence?
• The security system: do you agree that the national security system does not meet needs and does not respond to current challenges? If so, how do you intend to reform it?
• From your Party's point of view, on what principles should the nation in Moldova be consolidated, civic or ethnic? What steps will you take to bring society together?
• Citizens' trust in parties and state institutions is low. What strategies do you intend to launch to increase citizens' trust? How can elected officials' accountability to voters be increased? What will you do to restore the social contract between the state and citizens?
• How satisfactory are relations between the central government and local authorities? What needs to change in this relationship from a legal or institutional point of view? If local autonomy offers solutions for the development of localities, how far should it extend?

The round tables have included representatives of specialised NGOs, ambassadors and representatives of international organisations, but the representatives of political parties will play the main role.