Former Moldovan labour minister says goal set for 2030 minimum wage to reach 10,000 lei

The national minimum wage is 5,500 lei this year, which is by 87 per cent more   compared to 2021. The goal set for 2030 is for the minimum wage to reach 10,000 lei. These figures show an unprecedented growth rate in the recent history of Moldova. The former Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Marcel Spatari, today unveiled data to this effect, at a news conference during which the achievements of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MMPS) over the past four years were presented.

According to the ex-minister, in the past four years, MMPS’ policies were characterized by continuity and the measures initiated in 2021 were accomplished in the following years.

“In 2021, the main challenge was the low income of pensioners and workers paid with the minimum wage. One of the government’s promises was to substantially increase the minimum pension. Thus, during the period 2021-2025, the minimum old age pension was increased about 2.5-fold, from 1,188 lei in 2021 to 3,055 lei this year. At the same time, a new minimum pension value was added for people with very long careers, who have at least 40 years of contributions, amounting to 3,300 lei. As a result, as of October 1st this year, the average system pension is 4,419 lei. Moreover, in 2021, a new form of retirement was introduced, namely early retirement for a long career, for those who worked a long time. Today, there are 3,729 beneficiaries, with an average pension of 7,971 lei. We also negotiated pension agreements with other countries, considering that many Moldovans work in the Diaspora and retire abroad. We have agreements signed with 20 countries, of which 18 are already in effect and two are due to take effect. In recent years, the Agreement with Greece, the Agreement with Spain, and, starting from September 1, 2025, the Agreement with Italy, which is very important due to our large Diaspora in Italy. This document will allow pensions to be calculated in both states and Moldovans can benefit from benefits proportional to the years worked in both countries," said Marcel Spatari.

Additionally, in the context of energy crises, thermal, natural gas and electricity invoices have been compensated for over 720,000 families.

“Most households of the country received monthly heating compensation during the cold season. Approximately half of the budget was covered by external funds, thanks to the support of the European Union and its member states. Also, besides compensating energy invoices, the government provided energy efficiency vouchers to vulnerable families. Thus, over 12,000 families received vouchers of 6,000 lei to purchase energy-efficient heating equipment or make other energy-efficient appliance purchases," said Marcel Spatari.

The former minister noted that a very important achievement is the labor inspection’s reform and the fight against informal work.

“During 2022-2023, the modernization of the State Labor Inspectorate (SLI) started, a deep reform to promote compliance with labor legislation. Since 2023, labor inspectors can carry out unannounced inspections at companies without prior notice, especially in black labor cases. Risk criteria were introduced for selecting firms for control and the previously existing excessive permissiveness regime was removed. Investments were made in technical equipment, digitization, the work capacity of inspectors was enhanced, their salaries grew, and as a result, we have indicators that even surprise us. Before 2021, the SLI detected about 80 undeclared work cases annually. In 2024, around 3,100 cases were detected, of which 80 per cent were legalized. Thus, employers have made labour contracts and started paying social contributions. This year, by August, 5,200 cases were identified, and the legalization rate is approximately 90 about. So, during two years, we talk about 10,000 detected cases. This is significant a progress and the results are directly visible. The number of social contribution payments has increased by nine per cent over the past four years. This positive evolution allows cutting the state social insurance budget’s deficit," he said.

Marcel Spatari also highlighted that another policy promoted in recent years by the MLSP is the accelerated increase of the minimum wage.

“It is a priority for the ministry to reduce in-work poverty. In 2021, the gross minimum wage was 2,935 lei in the private sector, being even lower in the public sector. At that time, there was no unified minimum wage nationwide. Starting 2022, the minimum wage was unified for both sectors - private and public. It was a considerable effort for the budget, since many public sector salaries were below the minimum wage level at that stage. After successive increases, this year we have a minimum wage of 5,500 lei, which means an 87-per cent increase compared to 2021, a figure that exceeds the accumulated inflation during this period. An unprecedented growth rate in the recent history of Moldova. We can say that we have reached approximately 40 per cent of the average salary on the economy, which is still insufficient compared to the target set by the European Directive for Adequate Minimum Wages, which is 50 per cent. This stays the strategic goal in continuation, - to reach 50 per cent of the average wage, and the 2030 goal is to reach a minimum wage of 10,000 lei," added Marcel Spatari.

The former Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Marcel Spatari, will assume the position of MP, being elected on the lists of the Action and Solidarity Party. Spatari gave assurances that he would provide all necessary support “in developing the state's social policies,” including increasing population incomes, digitalizing social services and combating informal work.