Moldova: Funding dispute clouds future of personal assistant program
Tensions are brewing in Moldova over the fate of personal assistants who support individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
The national "Restart" social assistance reform calls for municipal authorities to fund personal assistants starting this year. However, a six-month deadline to identify necessary resources within local budgets has passed, creating uncertainty and prompting criticism.
Minister of Labor and Social Protection Alexei Buzu expressed confidence in local governments' ability to find solutions. "It's a matter of political will," he stated in the Radio Moldova broadcast "At 360 degrees", suggesting that financing even a portion of the 2,200 assistants in Chisinau alone would demonstrate commitment. "There are solutions within the municipal budget," he affirmed.
Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban, however, strongly dissents. He deems the measure "incorrect and unfair," citing the municipality's lack of adequate financial capacity to shoulder the full burden. Representatives echo his concerns, emphasising the significant budgetary strain.
Meanwhile, the affected individuals and their families face anxieties about the program's future. Without secure funding, the crucial support provided by personal assistants could be jeopardised, leaving many in a precarious situation.
As negotiations and debates continue, the question remains: who will ultimately step up to ensure the continuation of this critical service for those who rely on it most?
Translation by Iurie Tataru
