In January 1998, the Federation filed an inquiry with the Constitutional Court requesting to amend the constitution and to grant the right to legislative initiatives to trade unions. In June, teachers went on a hunger strike in Ungheni to protest salary arrears. In October, employees of state radio threatened to strike over unpaid wages. There are several hundred NGOs registered in Moldova, among them women's groups, student organizations, policy institutes, and environmental groups. The judiciary is still is not fully independent, with the prosecutor's office having undue influence which undermines the presumption of innocence.
Trials are generally open to the public.
The Constitutional Court exercises judicial review, and has overturned actions of parliament and the president. Moldova has ratified the Council of Europe's Convention on the Protection of Ethnic Minorities. In 1998, discrimination against Romanian-Moldovan speakers continued in the Transdniester. Freedom of movement is not restricted, though Transdniester authorities have searched incoming and outbound vehicles. Corruption in government, the civil service, and organized crime hinder fair competition and equal opportunity.