Moldova Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Moldova's rule of law was -0.02 in 2025, ranked 98th globally. This represents a 88.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Moldova's rule of law stood at -0.02 in 2025, a rise of +0.13 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.02 by 2025. Moldova ranked 98th globally.
Moldova’s Rule of Law score, measured by the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators, stands at –0.02 in 2025, placing the country 98th globally and tying with Jamaica’s –0.02 while slightly below Albania’s 0.01. The index, which ranges from –2.5 (weak) to 2.5 (strong), has risen steadily from a trough of –0.63 in 2002, marking the lowest point in the 26‑year series, to its all‑time peak of –0.02 in the current year. This upward trajectory reflects gradual improvements in judicial independence, contract enforcement and anti‑corruption mechanisms, yet the score remains well below the median of peer transition economies. The early 2000s decline coincided with political instability and limited institutional capacity, whereas recent reforms in prosecutorial oversight and civil‑service merit have contributed to the modest recovery. Continued alignment with EU accession benchmarks and deeper investment in legal infrastructure could accelerate progress, potentially moving Moldova’s Rule of Law rating into positive territory over the next decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.07 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.02 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.02 | +0.13 | #98 |
| 2023 | -0.15 | +0.13 | #107 |
| 2022 | -0.29 | +0.07 | #118 |
| 2021 | -0.36 | +0.16 | #120 |
| 2020 | -0.52 | −0.06 | #136 |
| 2019 | -0.46 | −0.02 | #129 |
| 2018 | -0.44 | +0.01 | #129 |
| 2017 | -0.45 | +0.08 | #132 |
| 2016 | -0.53 | −0.15 | #136 |
| 2015 | -0.38 | −0.14 | #116 |
| 2014 | -0.25 | +0.12 | #107 |
| 2013 | -0.37 | −0.05 | #115 |
| 2012 | -0.32 | +0.00 | #109 |
| 2011 | -0.33 | +0.03 | #110 |
| 2010 | -0.36 | +0.08 | #114 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Moldova matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Moldova's rule of law was -0.02 in 2025. Ranked 98th globally. This represents a 88.1% increase from the previous year.
Moldova's rule of law peaked at -0.02 in 2025.
The lowest rule of law in Moldova was -0.63 in 2002.
Moldova ranks 98th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Moldova's rule of law is projected to reach -0.02 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Moldova in 2025 was -0.02. This ranks 98th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_moldova_rule-of-law,
title = {Moldova Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/moldova/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}