Minister of Labor and Social Protection: Deficit of state social insurance budget decreased to 3.6 billion lei in 2026

The deficit of the state social insurance budget decreased from 5.4 billion lei in 2023 to 3.6 billion lei in 2026. This is due to the formalization of employees in the labor market, which contributed to the increase in contributions to the Social Insurance Budget. Minister of Labour and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru unveiled the data in Parliament during the examination of the simple motion regarding policies in the demography, poverty reduction and compensation of energy resource costs.

According to the minister, state expenditures for social protection, as a share of GDP, increased from 10.9% in 2016 to 15.3% in 2025, reaching more than 54 billion lei.

“The increase reflects a constant budgetary effort by the Government. These data indicate that an ever-larger share of the national economy is directed towards supporting citizens, which is happening despite the crises of the last 2–3 years. The growth has continued, and this shows that the Government has intervened actively to protect the incomes and living standards of the population,” said Natalia Plugaru.

The official emphasized that, in addition to the annual increase of the State Social Insurance Budget, the authorities aim to reduce the registered deficit.

“An important achievement over the last four years is that we have managed to reduce the deficit of the State Social Insurance Budget from 5.4 billion lei in 2023 to 3.6 billion lei in 2026. This is a very important indicator, as this budget ensures pensions, allowances and all benefits intended for citizens. This decrease is due to the formalization of citizens’ work, which has increased contributions to the budget. Also, the employment rate of citizens in the labor market has increased, and we have gradually raised the national minimum wage. All these components have directly contributed to increasing contributions to the Social Insurance Budget,” noted Plugaru.

The State Social Insurance Budget for 2026 provides for increases in pensions, allowances and benefits granted to citizens. Thus, pensions and social benefits were indexed by 6.8% starting from 1 April of the current year. The birth allowance has increased to up to 21,886 lei. It will be granted to approximately 36,000 children annually, and more than 78,000 children up to the age of two will receive a monthly allowance of 1,000 lei.

Allowances for elderly persons account for 66.5% of total expenditures, an increase of 11.2% compared to 2025. For the protection of persons with disabilities, 5.9 billion lei (11.6%) will be allocated, while protection of the family and child will exceed 4.9 billion lei, up by 2.1% compared to the previous year.

To support families and facilitate women’s return to the labor market, the budget provides for the creation of 2,000 new nursery places for children up to three years old. In addition, new shelters for women and girls who are victims of domestic violence will be opened in Telenesti, Stefan Voda and Cahul, which will increase the total number of places nationwide by 23%. By 2027, 60 million lei will be invested in expanding the national network of shelters so that every woman and child in danger has immediate access to a safe place.

Also, Barnahus regional center will be opened in Cahul, providing psychological, legal, medical and social assistance to children who are victims or witnesses of crimes. The center will serve beneficiaries from nine districts: Cahul, Leova, Cimislia, Comrat, Ceadir-Lunga, Vulcanesti, Basarabeasca, Cantemir and Taraclia.

For families that include persons with disabilities, six new “Respiro” services will be created, in addition to the seven already existing. Moreover, 21.65 million lei will be invested in the infrastructure of 48 residential and day-care centers, improving conditions for more than 1,000 beneficiaries.