Moldovan PM calls for measures against “shameless salaries”: government to propose caps, elimination of certain bonuses

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan today ordered, at the first meeting of the new government, specific intervention measures regarding the situation emerged  concerning the so‑called “shameless salaries,” which will also include capping or eliminating certain bonuses.

The PM asked Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu to present by a set of concrete measures in this regard by July 31. According to the official, the proposed actions will aim to bring order to the system and give people a sense of fairness.

“The first topic is the one of shameless salaries. People expect us, as a government, to have an answer. The outrage is understandable. And I must admit, I am outraged as well. We are not a rich state and we do not have an excess of resources that would allow us to tolerate abuses in this area. I don’t think this meeting is the place for us to display our frustrations. That is not why I am raising the issue. I am raising it in order to propose that we intervene. I would like to ask Secretary General Alexei Buzu to come up by July 31 with a string of specific proposals and measures. They may involve caps, eliminating certain bonuses, or other actions that will bring order to this system and give people a perception of fairness. I find this very important. We will not be able to implement reforms, if we do not restore trust. We cannot stand in front of people and tell them they need to tighten their belts, while we tolerate abuses in the system. I think this is a very important starting point,” said Vasile Tofan at the beginning of the government meeting.

The PM called for determination in addressing this issue and for a systemic approach, which will also be ensured with the approval of the new wage law.

“Mr. Secretary General Buzu, I would very much appreciate a bold approach to this issue. We must address it in a systemic way. I do not want to turn these meetings into populism and, believe me, the intention is not just to say what people want to hear. The systemic approach will also include the wage law, a very important law that we must adopt. There we will address issues related to bonuses, pay steps and who deserves to receive how much and for what. But until the wage law is adopted, I think it is important that we also come up with targeted measures to respond to this urgent problem,” Vasile Tofan emphasized.