The President of the Venice Commission Gianni Buquicchio said that in a democratic country, all State institutions and office holders have to respect their own prerogatives, obligations and competences and acknowledge and respect those of the other institutions. They have to exercise appropriate institutional restraint, observe the relevant procedures in good faith and display respect for each other. “If this is not done, if there lacks democratic culture and maturity, the functioning of the state institutions is compromised and the democratic, civil and economic progress of the society is jeopardized,” Gianni Buquicchio wrote in a message addressed to the President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova Domnica Manole, IPN reports.

The official thanked for Domnica Manole’s letter informing him about the attacks against the Constitutional Court. He said he took good note that the Statement of 28 April 2020 was signed by all Judges of the Constitutional Court.

“Constitutional courts are safeguard institutions, entrusted with upholding constitutional values. By the very nature of constitutional justice, which requires defending the Constitution against its violation by other State powers, constitutional courts may well displease these very powers,” stated Gianni Buquicchio.

“I can only echo the Statement by the Judges of the Constitutional Court for calmness, mutual respect, constructive dialogue and goodwill. I can assure you that I am following the situation in the Republic of Moldova closely.”

A week ago, the President of the Constitutional Court Domnica Manole addressed the Venice Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the whole diplomatic corps accredited to Moldova, saying that the situation is now extremely difficult and can affect the work of the CC. According to her, the tense situation that was created artificially around the CC affects the functionality of the rule of law in Moldova. Domnica Manole assured that the CC judges will act in strict compliance with the Constitution and will remain as impartial in passing judgments, regardless of the pressure exerted on them.