Gavriliță pushes $2 billion Moldova salary reform ahead of schedule
The new Moldova public sector salary law may take effect far earlier than the original January 1, 2027 deadline.
The Moldovan Government plans to accelerate the reform schedule, meaning the first wage increases for specific groups of state employees could be applied as early as September 1, 2026.
Minister of Finance Andrian Gavriliță confirmed the plan, stating the government aims to submit the bill for parliamentary approval by July 1. "We will make every effort to propose the Salary Law earlier... so that we can speak of its implementation starting from September 1, 2026," Gavriliță said.
The reform comes with a substantial cost. According to the Minister, "This law will cost the budget at least two billion Moldovan Lei (MDL), very likely to be over three."
The final amount will depend on the application mechanisms, but initial estimates place the cost at a minimum of MDL 2 billion. The Minister has not yet specified the categories of state employees who will receive the first salary adjustments.
Funding for the necessary financial resources will be secured through a review of public expenditures and more effective collection of taxes and duties. Additionally, the authorities announced supplementary support measures for low-income employees.
Meanwhile, the national minimum wage will be raised to MDL 6,300 starting January 1, and the reference value in salary calculation will increase from MDL 2,200 to MDL 2,400. However, trade unions argue this level is insufficient. They are demanding the national minimum wage reach MDL 8,050 by January 1, 2026, claiming the proposed sum is insufficient to cover the basic cost of living.
Gavriliță also noted that the new salary law aims for greater equity and steep raises for the lowest-paid employees. This comprehensive restructuring is slated for implementation starting in September 2026, though punctual adjustments, such as compensation bonuses, are already being voted on for early 2026.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
