Moldovans postpone parenthood: Births sink, experts sound alarm
Moldova's once-vibrant baby boom has faded into a stark demographic winter, with birthrates plunging to a record low in 2022.
Official data reveals a chilling statistic: a 34% drop compared to just eight years ago, marking a sixfold decline in half a century.
"In 2022, Moldova saw only 27,000 newborns, 2,400 fewer than the previous year," stated Elena Galer, head of the National Bureau of Statistics' Population and Migration department. "This trend echoes a worrying decrease since 2014, when births exceeded 40,000."
The echoes resonate loud and clear in rural communities like Firladeni village, where Mayor Viorica Erhan laments a shrinking population mirroring the national trend. "We've witnessed a stark decline," she shared, "from 128 births between 2000 and 2010 to just 91 in the last 13 years. In 2023, only four precious little ones filled our cradles."
Experts pinpoint several factors driving this exodus of newborns. Valeriu Sainsus, a leading demographer, highlights a concerning trend: "Young people are postponing marriage significantly, and single-child families are becoming the norm." He further estimates 16,000 Moldovan births taking place outside the country's borders, a statistic the government doesn't officially track.
This demographic drought casts a long shadow on Moldova's future. "Brain drain plays a significant role," Sainsus added. "Our youth seek opportunities abroad, taking their childbearing potential with them."
Chisinau, the bustling capital, offers a glimmer of hope, accounting for one-quarter of births in 2022. However, experts warn that this urban concentration masks a deeper national concern.
The challenge for Moldova lies in understanding and addressing the complex web of social, economic, and cultural factors contributing to this decline. Only then can the country nurture a fertile ground for its future generations to flourish.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
