PSRM proposes twice-yearly indexed pensions and national birth support program
The deputies of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), currently in opposition, are proposing a large package of budgetary support. This package includes increased salaries, pensions, scholarships, additional support programs, and special allowances. However, they have not provided any cost estimates or outlined models for implementation.
Pensions indexed twice a year
MP Vladimir Odnostalco stated in a briefing on December 11 that the minimum wage for next year should be set at 8,700 lei, which is half of the projected average wage of 17,400 lei. This is in accordance with the EU Directive on adequate minimum wages, which stipulates that the minimum wage should reach 50% of the national average wage.
“Price increases are outpacing wage growth, impacting everyone in both the private and public sectors. A low salary now means a low pension in the future. Currently, every third pensioner in the Republic of Moldova lives in absolute poverty, amounting to over 200,000 people of retirement age,” emphasized Odnostalco. He noted that the PSRM proposes indexing pensions twice a year, by at least 10%.
Another measure to support the elderly would be to provide a one-time benefit of 5,000 lei for pensioners whose income falls below the average wage in the economy, which is 16,100 lei this year.
Early retirement for women who have given birth to two children
The PSRM proposes an early retirement option for women who have given birth to two or more children, allowing them to retire three years earlier than the standard retirement age.
Odnostalco also highlighted the need to establish an aid fund to cover expenses for consumables and assistive devices, such as canes, wheelchairs, and hearing aids, for people with disabilities with incomes below 15,000 lei.
To encourage birth rates, the PSRM proposes increasing the one-time benefit at the birth of a child to 50,000 lei, double the current amount.
"Over the last five years, the gap between births and deaths has been 54,800 people. If we consider the emigration of the workforce—note that pensioners do not leave the country—we are looking at an additional 300,000 people leaving the country. This paints a frightening picture. To illustrate, 300,000 people could mean the complete disappearance of the towns of Soroca, Ungheni, Călărași, and Nisporeni,” emphasized Odnostalco.
"Maternal capital" program
Continuing the policies to support families, Deputy Ala Ursu-Antoci mentioned the introduction of a state program called "maternal capital." Families would receive five average salaries in the economy upon the birth of their first child, with the amount gradually increasing to 13 average salaries at the birth of the fourth and subsequent children.
For young people, the PSRM proposes increasing scholarships to 5,000 lei and providing subsidies for studies in specialized secondary and higher education.
"Young individuals with intellectual potential, who cannot afford their studies, should be subsidized by the state to attend college or university. The beneficiaries will include children from single-parent families or orphans, those from families with incomes under 15,000 lei, and young people with disabilities," said Ala Ursu-Antoci.
The state should cover 20% of the credit for "Prima Casă"
The package proposed by the opposition deputies also includes subsidies for employers who hire young specialists, as well as support for families purchasing homes through the "Prima Casă" program.
"We propose that the state cover 20% of the monthly loan payments. The exorbitant prices in the Republic of Moldova's real estate market make it nearly impossible for young families to buy a home. By providing this support, we aim to create conditions for young people to stay in the country, start families, and avoid going abroad,” concluded the parliamentarian.
According to the PSRM, the proposed measures aim to support the population and encourage them to build a future in the Republic of Moldova “together, through vision, responsibility, and unity.” However, the parliamentarians have not disclosed the implementation costs of these proposals or the sources of financing.
