Moldova must adjust its minimum wage to represent at least 50% of the average salary in order to align more closely with European Union standards. This statement was made by Veaceslav Ionita, an economic policy expert at the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) “Viitorul,” during the November 15, 2024, episode of Economic Analyses with Veaceslav Ionita.
According to Ionita, this adjustment will strengthen social protection for workers, bring Moldova in line with neighboring countries, and contribute to wage security. The required financial effort is considered sustainable, the recommended approach being the gradual annual increase.
In 2024, the minimum wage in Moldova is 5,000 lei per month, which is approximately 35% of the average salary of 14,300 lei. Ionita emphasized that the ratio between the minimum and average wages needs gradually increase, reaching 50% by 2030.
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Comparing Moldova with EU countries like Romania, France, and Croatia, where the minimum wage is at least 50% of the average salary, Ionita pointed out that Moldova is currently at a lower level, comparable to countries like Latvia and Poland, which have less wage protection.
Since 2022, Moldova has made significant strides in raising the minimum wage, bringing it above the pay level of the lowest 10% of workers. However, to align with European Union standards, ongoing adjustments will be necessary.
Estimates suggest the minimum wage should reach:
– 6,200 lei in 2025 (38% of the average wage)
– 7,700 lei in 2026 (41%)
– 9,350 lei in 2027 (43.5%)
To achieve these goals, the Government would need to allocate additional funds, estimated at 290 million lei in 2025 and 1.27 billion lei in 2027. These investments are deemed necessary to protect about 10% of the most vulnerable workers in the country.
Ionita concluded that it is a shared responsibility of trade unions, employers, and the Government to ensure that, by 2030, the minimum wage will represent half of the average salary. The impact on vulnerable workers will be significant, and the costs are justified by the social benefits.