Head of State attends High-Level Conference on Social Rights – European Social Charter

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu participated today together with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset in the opening of the High-Level Conference on Social Rights – European Social Charter, held in Chișinău.

In her speech, the Head of State underlined that social rights are an essential pillar of democratic security. “In our country, experience has taught us that social rights are essential for the survival of democracy,” the President stated.

The Head of State noted that, in recent years, the Republic of Moldova has faced deliberate attempts to undermine democracy by exploiting social vulnerabilities. “These challenges are not only political, but also social – and they require social responses,” the President stressed. At the same time, Maia Sandu drew attention to the fact that this phenomenon is not specific only to the Republic of Moldova but affects the whole of Europe, through forces hostile to democracy that capitalize on social discontent and inequalities.

Referring to the recent challenges faced by our country, the President recalled the impact of the war in the neighboring state, the energy crisis and rising inflation, which have put major pressure on households. In this context, the Head of State explained that protecting democracy has directly meant protecting citizens.

The President recalled that in recent years the authorities have acted to stabilize the economy and maintain purchasing power, including by increasing incomes – raising the minimum wage and the average pension, implementing energy bill compensation programs for the population, and expanding support for vulnerable families.

The Head of State also emphasized that social protection must be accompanied by economic opportunities. Thus, in recent years, participation in the labor market has been encouraged and the fight against undeclared work has been intensified – in parallel with investments in childcare services, so that parents, especially mothers, can continue to work.

The President pointed out that these measures, although difficult given limited resources, have produced concrete results, reflected also in the improved position of the Republic of Moldova in international rankings on democratic transformation. In this context, the Head of State highlighted the crucial role of international partners in supporting these efforts and expressed confidence that this cooperation will continue, contributing to our country’s European path.

Maia Sandu also underlined the importance of protecting the social rights of Moldovan citizens in the diaspora, including through the conclusion of social security agreements with their countries of residence.

In conclusion, the President reiterated that freedom must be tangibly felt by citizens in their daily lives, and this is possible only when people are protected and supported.

“Social rights are not a luxury, but lie at the foundation of democratic security, just like fundamental political rights. If we want to protect democracy, we must ensure that it delivers results for everyone,” the Head of State concluded.

Today’s event takes place in the context of the Republic of Moldova holding the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and brings together ministers, high-level officials and experts from member states, as well as representatives of European institutions and civil society.