Salary arrears of employees of Moldovan Railways company fully paid off

Employees of the State Enterprise Moldovan Railways have received in full their overdue salaries, after years in which delays had become the norm. The authorities announce that all wage arrears have been fully paid and the company’s financial situation is beginning to stabilize. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Bolea stated that discussions are now being held with the company’s management on economic development and ways to increase salaries.

Bolea said that the arrears were reduced to zero by the end of April 2026.

“On December 31, 2025, wage arrears amounted to approximately 49 million lei. And with all firmness and pride I would like to report to you that as of April 30, 2026, the amount of wage arrears for Moldovan Railways employees is equal to 0. Moreover, about 25% of railway employees, out of a total of roughly 3,400 people, have received their salaries up to date for the month of April. This means normality, it means that people have the certainty that, after carrying out their work within this economic operator, they will receive their salaries, either into their bank accounts or in cash, depending on the situation, and will be able to pay their bills, feed their children and support their families,” the official said, emphasizing that this is one of the most important achievements of the year.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that clearing wage arrears was an objective set by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development for the management of the State Enterprise Moldovan Railways, and it was achieved in a year and a few months, based on policies developed by the ministry.

“I believe this is one of the greatest successes we have recorded this year: we have reduced wage arrears to zero. And yes, today we have already started discussions with the management of Moldovan Railways to increase revenues and to develop the railway from an economic standpoint, so that we can move on to the process of raising employees’ salaries. And we are here to report what has been done together and what today’s results are,” the Deputy Prime Minister said during the press conference.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, at the end of 2024, when the current leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure took over responsibility, wage arrears amounted to approximately 144 million lei, the equivalent of about nine months of back pay. Subsequently, by the end of 2025, they were reduced to about 49 million lei, and by spring 2026 they were completely eliminated. The official described the institution as “an economic wreck” at the time it was taken over, burdened by historical debts, poor management and repeated employee protests.

The recovery was also supported by a significant increase in revenues. While in 2024 the enterprise recorded revenues of approximately 702 million lei, in 2025 they reached 1.289 billion lei – almost double.

The positive trend continues in 2026: in the first four months, CFM reported revenues of around 232 million lei, indicating a revival of economic activity.

“The positive side is that Moldovan Railways today has no loans, with the exception of a loan of 113 million lei for the reconstruction of a railway segment, which was won by a company from Kazakhstan. From this money, 12 locomotives were purchased and their maintenance ensured,” Bolea said.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Government opted for direct investments in infrastructure worth 300 million lei, giving up the contracting of an external loan of about 80 million euros, which was considered too burdensome.

Although the company is not yet profitable and still has debts to the state budget, Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea maintains that the most important objective – stabilization – has been achieved.

In 2024, Moldovan Railways recorded total revenues of 702 million lei. At the end of 2025, for a full year of activity, total revenues increased significantly to 1.289 billion lei.

The difference between the two years highlights a doubling of revenues, from 702 million lei in 2024 to 1.289 billion lei in 2025, indicating a positive evolution in the company’s economic activity.

The growth trend continues in 2026: in the first months of the year, up to April 30, Moldovan Railways reported revenues of approximately 232 million lei.

Bolea pointed out that the enterprise still has outstanding tax obligations, but the upward dynamic reflects increasing economic activity and suggests a gradual stabilization of the company, including in terms of its capacity to meet its financial obligations and to support possible wage increases in the future.