This is evidenced by the 7th edition of the Elite Quality Index, prepared by the Swiss-based The Foundation for Value Creation Activities.
The Republic of Moldova in this index fell from 73rd place in 2025 to 75th place in 2026, positioned between Colombia and the Republic of Togo.
In 2023, Moldova ranked 48th, having lost 26 positions in three years.
To calculate the quality of elites, researchers take into account four basic parameters: economic power and value, political power and value.
They also use 72 indicators that fall into one of these categories, including general economic indicators, the ability of elites to promote their interests and the interests of the country, and indicators of business activity.
By comparison, Romania is 41st in this ranking, having fallen 8 places over the year. Ukraine is in 112th position (-12). Russia is at 90th (+9). Germany is at 9th (-1). The U.S. is in a steady second place. Singapore is in first place, Japan in third, Switzerland in fourth and Sweden in fifth.
Yemen, Sudan and Haiti round out the list.
The ranking evaluates 151 countries on the quality of their elites’ business models.
