President: Social rights essential for survival of democracy

The Republic of Moldova has learned from its own experience that social rights are essential for the survival of democracy. No democracy can become strong if people feel insecure. When social injustice grows, space is created for manipulation and foreign interference. President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu made the statement at the High-Level Conference on Social Rights – European Social Charter, organized for the first time in Chișinău.

Maia Sandu noted that in recent years it has become clear how fragile state institutions can become when social vulnerabilities are exploited. The head of state warned that “adversaries intentionally use poverty and frustration to undermine public trust.”


“Through experience we have learned that social rights are essential for the survival of democracy. In recent years, we have seen how fragile our institutions can become when social vulnerabilities are exploited. Our adversaries intentionally use poverty and frustration to undermine public trust. They organize paid protests, they have tried to manipulate elections and the referendum by attempting to exploit the economic vulnerabilities of the population. At the same time, narratives persist that cheap energy is more important than freedom, even though we know that dependence costs much more and comes at a much higher price. These messages are designed to divide, to spread distrust, and to undermine sovereignty,” the head of state said.


The President underlined that these are not only political challenges, but also social challenges that require social responses. Moreover, this is not a challenge unique to the Republic of Moldova; similar trends are being observed across Europe, President Sandu explained.


“This is not a challenge unique to the Republic of Moldova. We are seeing the same trends across Europe. Support for liberal democracy comes at a cost and requires effort. Communities cannot be left behind without prosperity. No democracy can become strong if people feel insecure. When social injustice grows, it creates space for manipulation and foreign interference. That is why, in the Republic of Moldova, we have realized that we must address these vulnerabilities and at the same time strengthen our security and resilience to hybrid threats. This approach has been necessary as the Republic of Moldova faces multiple challenges at the same time,” Maia Sandu said.


According to her, protecting democracy means protecting citizens. In this regard, the authorities in Chișinău have implemented several support measures to help citizens by increasing salaries and pensions, providing energy compensations, and reforming the social system. As a result, according to the Transformation Index, the Republic of Moldova has moved from 66th place in 2022–2024 to 37th place, which demonstrates the effect of the reforms implemented.

In addition, the Republic of Moldova has committed to protecting the social rights of its citizens living abroad, ensuring that their rights and contributions are recognized.

Maia Sandu added that the Republic of Moldova continues its efforts to strengthen partnerships and social cohesion, which is essential as the country advances on the European path.

The President emphasized that when people feel protected, they are less vulnerable to manipulation, and when they have opportunities, they have more confidence in the future.


“Freedom is not an abstract concept; it is something that people must be able to live and breathe every day, which is possible only if there is respect and support. That is why social rights are not a luxury but the foundation of democratic security and of fundamental political rights, such as the right to vote. Our experience shows that when people feel protected, they are less vulnerable to manipulation, and when they have opportunities, they have more confidence in the future. This is why we will continue our efforts to promote social fairness,” Maia Sandu concluded.


The Republic of Moldova is hosting, for the first time, the High-Level Conference on Social Rights – European Social Charter. The event takes place on Thursday, March 19, in Chișinău, in the context of our country’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.