● TUESDAY, December 3
Budgetary-fiscal policy novelties for next year
The deductions from the personal income tax for 2025 are projected to reach 3.393,6 billion lei, by 381.6 million lei more than the amount planned for 2024, due to the 12.7% increase in the labor remuneration fund, shows the draft budgetary-fiscal policy for next year. This also indicates a 10% increase in personal exemptions and exemptions for dependent persons.
Minimum pension to increase to 3,300 lei for 40-year contribution period
The minimum old-age pension will grow to 3,300 lei, as of May 1, 2025, for people who have a full contribution period of 40 years at the time the pension is set. This is provided in the draft state budget law for next year.
VAT will constitute more than half of state budget revenues in 2025
The value added tax will remain the main source of revenues for the state budget. For next year, the revenues from this tax are forecast at 36,433 million lei, 9.1% up compared with this year. According to the draft state budget law for 2025, VAT will represent 54.8% of the total taxes and 50.9% of the total state budget revenues.
Moldova is provided with gas in proportion of 80% of cold season consumption
The Republic of Moldova is provided with natural gas in a proportion of 80% of the total consumption during the cold season. The existing supplies are sufficient for December and January, and Moldovagaz is to make purchases for February and March. The data were presented at public discussions staged by the Parliament’s commission on economy, budget and finance in connection with the recent increases in natural gas charges.
Typical situations of violation of rights of consumers of financial services
Insufficient or misleading information about financial products and the unfair contract terms are some of the typical situations of violation of the rights of financial service consumers. This also includes hidden fees and commissions, aggressive or illegal debt recovery practices, as well as the lack of transparency regarding financial risks. The protection of consumers of financial services is vital for a prosperous society and its absence can lead to unfavorable situations for consumers and contribute to the appearance of financial crises, the National Bank of Moldova said in the context of the National Financial Education Campaign launched in partnership with the Independent Think Tank "Expert-Grup".
Local taxes are to bring 520m lei to Chisinau's budget next year
The municipality of Chisinau next year aims to collect 520.5 million lei in the local budget from local taxes, by 132.5 million more than in 2024. The tax for commercial units is to bring 266 million lei or 51.1% of the planned revenues to the municipal budget. The document was proposed for public consultations.
Revenues of 8.5 billion lei. The municipal budget for 2025 is being consulted
Public consultations on Chisinau municipality's budget for 2025 started on Tuesday. Thus, Chisinau City Hall officials estimate revenues of almost 8.5 billion lei and expenditures of more than 9.1 billion lei next year.
Thus, in terms of expenditures, more than 4 billion lei will be invested in education, and 2 billion lei - for programs related to the development of economy and infrastructure.
Gas and electricity suppliers to come up with a procurement plan for product diversification
In the next two months, gas and heat suppliers are to come up with a procurement plan for product diversification for one year. It is one of the actions formulated during the discussions organized by the parliamentary Committee on Economy, Budget and Finance in the context of the recent natural gas price hikes.
● WEDNESDAY, December 4
Vadim Ceban: Gas purchase process continues to satisfy needs for February and March
The right bank of the Nistru River has natural gas supplies that are enough for December and January, and the procurement process continues to cover the months of February and March. Acting chairman of Moldovagaz’s Board of Directors Vadim Ceban said that the gas purchase price represents the largest part of the charge and, in October-November, when the largest volumes of gas were bought, the purchase price increased sharply on the international market.
Central bank announces launch of new RCA digital service
Moldovan citizens will be able to obtain the certificate on sustained damage or absence of damage outside the Republic of Moldova as well, thanks to a new RCA digital service. The National Bank of Moldova (NBM) said it will facilitate the conclusion of compulsory auto civil liability insurance contracts (RCA) or optional auto insurance contracts abroad.
WatchDog: Moldovagaz's failed purchases led to increase in charges
"Moldovagaz's failed and inappropriately structured purchases led to an increase in charges and the mistake made by the company should not go unpunished, especially since the energy sector is not only crucial for Moldova, but also one of the main elements in the hybrid war waged by Russia,” said the expert of WatchDog.MD Community Andrei Curăraru. He noted that the artificial keeping of Vadim Ceban at the helm of the company by Moscow (through Gazprom) has caused considerable damage to the Moldovan citizens, which are convenient for the Kremlin regime and pro-Russian forces in the Republic of Moldova.
Cabinet approves draft state budget law for 2025
The Cabinet endorsed the draft state budget law for 2025. Revenues are estimated at 71.5 billion lei, an increase of almost 7% compared to 2024. Expenditure is projected to total 85.5 billion lei, and the deficit will amount to 13.8 billion lei or 4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
Minimum salary raised by 500 lei
In 2025, the minimum salary in the public sector will increase from 5,000 to 5,500 lei. This is provided in the draft state budget law for next year, which was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday.
Average pension next year will increase to 4,237 lei
Next year, the average pension in the Republic of Moldova is expected to rise to 4,237 lei. From May 1, for people with a contribution period of 40 years, the minimum pension will increase to 3,300 lei. This is stipulated in the draft state social insurance budget law for 2025, which was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday.
Pensions to be indexed by 6.1% in April
On April 1, 2025, pensions and social benefits lower than 16,100 will be indexed by 6.1%, Prime Minister Dorin Recean announced at a news conference on Wednesday.
"The indexation will be 6.1%, according to the law. This increase will apply, first of all, to pensions that are relatively lower, i.e. below the average salary forecast for 2025 – 16,100 lei," said the head of the executive. According to the Premier, the pension system is still unbalanced and the Government's efforts are aimed at reducing the existing inequities.
446 km railway section rehabilitated with BEI support
The Valcinet-Ocnita-Balti-Balti-Ungheni-Chisinau-Cainari railway section is to be rehabilitated. The design and execution of the works will be carried out with a grant of 12 million euro, awarded through the European Fund for Sustainable Development - Global Europe.
Environmental Impact Assessment agreement with Ukraine
The government in Chisinau and Kiev have approved an agreement on the implementation of the Espoo Convention. The document, signed in Odessa in August, regulates the environmental impact assessment and strengthens Moldovan-Ukrainian cooperation in defense of common ecosystems.
Energy Ministry discusses need for external support to overcome energy crisis
The issue of energy security and the need for support in overcoming the crisis were discussed at a meeting between Minister Victor Parlicov and US Chargé d'Affaires Kevin Covert.
The Energy Ministry informs in a press release that the dignitaries analyzed the authorities' estimates on the financial support needed from Western partners to manage a possible regional energy crisis.
Singerei will have modern sidewalks and bicycle paths
The residents of Singerei will benefit from modern sidewalks and bicycle lanes on the central road through the city. The works are part of the second stage of the project to rehabilitate Independence Street, financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, totaling 2.69 million euros.
● THURSDAY, December 5
Transnistria's dependence on sales to right bank of the Nistru and EU increases
More than half of the products exported by the Transnistrian region in the first ten months of this year were delivered to the right bank of the Nistru River. IPN's analysis of fresh data provided by Tiraspol confirms a steady increase in sales to the right bank and the European Union for two consecutive years.
How much it costs to rent an apartment in Chisinau. Expert tips
The demand for renting a flat in Chisinau, as well as prices, have decreased compared to 2022, when they were influenced by the high influx of refugees from Ukraine. Today a home can be rented for as little as €150-200. Depending on the offer, prices can reach several thousand euros.
Oleg Serebrian: Everyone must understand that no one will give us gas for free
If Gazprom stops natural gas supplies to the Transnistrian region, the official Chisinau is ready to intervene to provide the inhabitants of the region with gas, but at market prices, said Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian. The official stressed that gas cannot be provided for free.
Taxi drivers fined a total of over 164,000 lei
Fines of over 164,000 lei were imposed by the State Tax Service on those who provide taxi transport services. The failure to issue tax receipts for the provided services and to declare the income are among the multiple irregularities identified during tax audits.
Farmers' Force urges to speed up adoption of law on support to farmer
There are state institutions that are delaying the adoption of the law on support measures for farmers, said representatives of the Farmers' Force Association. According to a press release issued by the Association, this happens even in the situation in which Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu promised the farmers that this draft law would be voted at the December 5 sitting as a matter of urgency, since " dozens of farmers suffer due to every day of delay".
Base rate remains at 3.6%. Reserve ratio decreased
The National Bank of Moldova maintains the base rate at 3.6% annually. In order to increase the predictability of monetary policy and keep inflation in the medium term within the target range, the central bank decided to reduce the required reserve ratio for two consecutive periods. The decisions were approved by the Bank's Executive Board on Thursday.
Moldova's IMF quota subscription raised
The Republic of Moldova's quota subscription at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was increased by US$114 million. A draft law in this regard was adopted by Parliament on Thursday. The Republic of Moldova's IMF quota subscription grew from 172.5 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to 258.8 million SDRs.
After Parlicov's resignation, the energy portfolio will be managed by Prime Minister Recean
Until a new Minister of Energy is appointed, Prime Minister Dorin Recean will take over the energy portfolio. Following the declaration of a state of emergency in the energy sector, the Prime Minister promises appropriate measures to ensure the continuity of energy and gas supplies.
Government and European Union support entrepreneurs: 45 beneficiary companies
A total of 12.2 million lei in non-reimbursable funding has been allocated to 45 companies in Moldova. The funding comes from the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union. The European Union has contributed 5.5 million lei to support 24 companies, while the Government will provide 6.7 million lei to 21 companies.
Tofilat accuses Recean of falsehoods and warns that "The fight is not over"
Sergiu Tofilat, dismissed from the Supervisory Board of Moldovagaz for allegedly blocking the purchase of gas at advantageous prices, expressed surprise at Prime Minister Dorin Recean's statements. "I don't have such authority. But I will continue investigating the company's activities," Tofilat wrote in a Facebook post in response to the Prime Minister's claims.
Head of Municipal Company Suspected of taking bribes from school and kindergarten food suppliers
The administrator of a municipal public catering company under the Chisinau City Hall is being investigated by the National Anticorruption Center (CNA) in a corruption case. The suspect allegedly demanded and received money systematically in exchange for selecting food suppliers for schools and kindergartens in Chisinau.
Despite challenges, Moldovan fruits retain their place in export markets – Conference insights
The year 2024 presented significant challenges for the fruit sector in Moldova. Adverse weather conditions, including spring frosts, extreme summer drought, and heavy rains during the harvest season for cherries, grapes, and ripening apples, created difficulties for producers. Nonetheless, Moldovan fruits maintained their position in export markets, thanks to substantial investments by producers and exporters in pre-cooling, sorting, and packaging equipment. These issues were discussed at the “Fruit Business in Moldova” Conference.
State budget approved in first reading by Parliament
The draft state budget for next year has been approved in its first reading by Parliament. According to the Ministry of Finance, the budget focuses on social support, reflecting the Government's clear vision to increase citizens' incomes and investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services. Opposition of members of Parliament (MP) criticized the process, accusing the Government of rushing the budget's adoption. They claimed the 2025 budget is anti-popular, anti-social, and serves only the ruling party's interests.
Parlicov claims positive results during tenure, assures Moldova will not face energy or gas shortages
Victor Parlicov, recently dismissed as Minister of Energy, acknowledged Moldova is nearing an energy crisis but assured that the country will not run out of gas or electricity.
● FRIDAY, December 6
Dorin Recean: There are no reasons for a new increase in gas charges
Prime Minister Dorin Recean assures that there are no reasons for a new increase in gas charges. He said that through the changes made in the budget, additional funds were allocated to provide compensation to citizens during the heating season.
● SATURDAY, December 7
Delicacies from all corners of Moldova brought to a fair in Rascani sector
Around 70 producers from across the country will delight buyers with authentic goods at a fair held on December 7 - 8 in the Rascani sector of the capital, on Miron Costin Street, near the "Sons of the Homeland - Sacred Memory" Square. The fair, titled “Homegrown for Rascani - The Local Producers Fair!”, is organized by the Chisinau City Hall in partnership with EUROCIVIS - the Association of Women in Agriculture and Tourism of Moldova.
Customs Service launches electronic platform for requesting and issuing customs decisions
Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova has announced the implementation of an electronic platform for managing requests and issuing customs decisions. The Customs Decisions System (CDS) will be operational starting December 10.
Innovations in sustainable energy honored at the Moldova Eco Energetica Gala
Projects contributing to energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources were recognized at the 2024 Moldova Eco Energetică Gala. Ion Muntean, Director of the National Center for Sustainable Energy, highlighted that the 14th edition of the event demonstrates the successful implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives in Moldova.
