Official

18 February, 2026 / 07:34

/ 29 April, 2025

Moldovan government expands access to legal aid for people with low incomes

The Government of the Republic of Moldova

Government has approved a draft law through which more citizens with low incomes will be able to benefit from partially free qualified legal assistance, covered by the state budget. The initiative aims to facilitate access to justice for low-income people and strengthen the right to defense.

So far, only people with incomes below the minimum wage benefited from the support, the new draft provides for the extension of the threshold. Thus, people whose monthly income exceeds the minimum wage by up to 30% will be able to benefit from partially free qualified legal assistance, with the obligation to reimburse 30% of the costs of the services.

At the same time, the application procedure has been simplified, eliminating the obligation to submit an income statement. Authorities will automatically verify incomes by accessing state registers.

It also includes the clarification of certain aspects related to the mandatory participation of defenders in criminal proceedings, helping to avoid delays in judicial procedures.

Through the amendments, the government aims to eliminate inequities in the system and facilitate access to justice and mediation for socially vulnerable people. The draft will be submitted to parliament for debate and adoption.

Comment

Latest News

Almost 14,000 residents of Transnistrian region officially employed on right bank of Dniester

Thirty four sustainable development projects implemented through Moldova's reintegration activities programme in 2025

Authorized by European Commission: Fresh poultry meat, poultry meat products can be exported to EU from entire territory of Moldova

Moldovan President to attend Munich Security Conference

Moldovan PM says government acts to achieve three major objectives – economic growth, faster EU accession, peace, security at home

Moldovan president highlights importance of preserving Gagauz language, culture at Comrat University

Moldovan president's message at event celebrating activity of Comrat State University

Moldovan government approves stricter system for prevention, control of animal diseases

New rules for safer non-food products on market in Moldova: from toys to cosmetics, household appliances

Fish products to be safer in Moldova: government introduces new sanitary rules

Moldovan PM has meeting with Ukrainian President

Three Moldovan-Ukrainian agreements signed in Kyiv: cooperation for child protection, establishment of the Cosauti–Yampil border crossing point, professional integration

Moldovan PM says Moldova, Ukraine true friends, reliable partners, united not only by common border, but also by democratic values, European aspirations

Discussions on local public administration reform held with representatives of Moldova's extra-parliamentary parties

PM has meeting with India’s Ambassador to Moldova

Moldovan president receives accreditation letters on behalf of more ambassadors

WEATHER UPDATE // Orange code for heavy precipitation, strong winds in south of Moldova

Women of Moldova earn by 16.6 per cent less than men: two extra months of work for the same income

MEC to develop digital platform with free access to teaching resources in Gagauz language

Citizen participation in decision-making discussed by mayors, national authorities and Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Council of Europe

Launch of 6th Open Government Action Plan and selection of civil society representatives to Coordination Committee

School Barometer conducted for first time in Moldova: Most students, parents and teachers have positive perception of general education

VIDEO // Work continues on Moldova's largest water main: central region’s water supply project moves forward

In 2026, most nursery places in recent years to be created across country: 102 town halls applied for funding

PHOTO GALLERY // Vladimir Plahotniuc escorted to court to be heard in Kuliok case

Former Democrat Leader Vladimir Plahotniuc refuses to testify in Kuliok case

All consumers affected by 15–16 February glaze ice reconnected to power grid

Books donated as part of 2025 edition of Library under Christmas Tree campaign reached libraries across country

Moldova hosts meeting of Council of Europe Congress Bureau

February 16, 1898: BTA Releases its First Bulletin

See more