---
title: "Hundreds of teachers rally in Moldova as government freezes pay hike"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/83428/hundreds-of-teachers-rally-in-moldova-as-government-freezes-pay-hike
published: 2026-08-19T15:51:40Z
language: en
author: "Liubomir Guțu"
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Hundreds of teachers rally in Moldova as government freezes pay hike

> Hundreds of teachers and educators rallied outside the Government building in Chișinău on August 19, demanding that officials honor promised salary increases scheduled for September 1.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/32b8b3b6-b17c-4119-86ed-2384dcb19f55.jpg)

Hundreds of teachers and educators rallied outside the Government building in Chișinău on August 19, demanding that officials honor promised salary increases scheduled for September 1.

Organized by trade unions, the demonstration highlighted growing outrage over delayed pay hikes. While educators accused authorities of a lack of respect, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan and Education Minister Dan Perciun cited severe budget constraints while offering compensatory measures.

**Dignity and broken promises**

Addressing the crowd at the start of the protest, Ghenadie Donos, head of the Education and Science Trade Union Federation (FSEȘ), stated that the rally was fundamentally about respect and political commitments.

Donos emphasized that teachers were not asking for special favors, but simply for the government to honor its pledge and recognize the strategic importance of education.

Supporting the protest, Igor Zubcu, president of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM), stressed that a nation's future depends on well-prepared educators who can afford to stay in the country.

Zubcu warned that the state cannot demand high performance from professionals who are paid borderline subsistence wages, urging Parliament and the Executive to treat education salaries as a vital strategic investment.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/736016be-3ccb-4bb9-be67-cb0c9dc05d07.jpg)

**Outrage across public schools**

Protesters chanted slogans including *"Decent wages for young educators,"* *"Keep your word,"* *"We demand decent pay,"* and *"Decent wages are a right."*

Teachers expressed frustration over learning about the freeze just two weeks before the start of the academic year. Maria Zăcuțelu, a teacher at the Gheorghe Asachi Theoretical Lyceum in Chișinău, noted that commitments made nine months ago were based on official calculations and should be honored.

Ala Certan, a teacher from the Mihai Eminescu Theoretical Lyceum in Strășeni, called on authorities to implement a fair wage policy rather than forcing educators into the streets each year.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/f49c80ea-e5ea-49ef-8a3c-3f2a22a75f06.jpg)

**Government cites severe budget deficits**

Cabinet members stepped outside to address the crowd. Education Minister Dan Perciun explained that while the state aims to keep average teacher salaries above the national economic average, 2026 presented exceptional budgetary challenges linked to broader wage system reforms.

As protesters jeered, Perciun announced an upcoming press conference to outline compensatory measures intended to offset the delay.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan defended the Education Minister, acknowledging the public's frustration while stressing the reality of the fiscal shortfall. Tofan stated that tough fiscal choices were necessary to secure sustainable salary improvements in the future.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/3a05c1ec-83b5-4be0-9934-313b26db8380.jpg)

**Unions outline four key demands**

The protesters' resolution, read by USM History Institute researcher Ion Cheptene, outlined four core demands to be formally submitted to the government:

Full compliance with commitments to raise education and science salaries effective September 1, 2026, enforced through clear legal frameworks.

A substantial and equitable salary increase to improve living standards and close income gaps among employee categories.

Enhanced attractiveness of teaching and research careers to retain young talent and stop the brain drain.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/2920ac99-85d8-4043-8389-825b87193d5f.jpg)

Genuine social dialogue and adherence to social partnership principles.

Unions warned that if their demands remain unaddressed, they reserve the right to pursue all legal trade union actions until concrete solutions are guaranteed.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**