Moldovan parliament passes 2026 budget in second reading; document provides for higher revenues, deficit of 20.9 billion lei

The MPs today adopted, in the second reading, the draft law of the state budget for the 2026 year, a document that outlines revenue increases, salary raises, enhanced investments and a budget deficit of 20.9 billion lei.

According to the voted document, state budget revenues are estimated at over 79.67 billion lei in 2026, up by 5.1 per cent compared to the current year. The largest portion of revenues, 91.4 per cent, will come from taxes and fees. The Finance Ministry explains this trend through moderate economic growth, friendly  external conditions and advancing structural reforms.

Budget expenditures will exceed 100.57 billion lei, approximately 7 per cent more than those approved for 2025. Of the total expenditures, 93 per cent will be covered by general state budget resources, and over 5.7 billion lei is allocated for projects financed from external sources.

Next year's budget places a greater emphasis on investments. Capital investment expenses will increase by 35.6 per cent compared to the previous year and will exceed 3 billion lei - the highest level in recent years. Funds are allocated to the implementation of 85 infrastructure projects, including roads, nurseries and kindergartens, as well as other development projects.

Additionally, the document stipulates an increase in the minimum wage in the public sector from 5,500 to 6,300 lei. Employees in public institutions whose monthly salary, calculated for a full work schedule, is lower than this threshold, will benefit from compensatory payments.

In the social sector, 22.47 billion lei is allocated for social protection and 21.94 billion lei for education. The health field will benefit from 9.89 billion lei, funds meant, among others, for the development of medical infrastructure and access to modern services.

According to estimates, the state budget deficit for 2026 will be 20.9 billion lei,  due to be covered by internal and external sources.

For the second reading, the parliamentary opposition presented more amendments, which, however, were not supported.