Natalia Plougarou
The authors of the project – MPs from the PCRM faction – argue that Moldova is facing an acute demographic crisis. The annual population decline is estimated at about 1.1-2%. According to forecasts, the country’s population may decrease by 28% by 2035 against the background of low birth rate and rapid aging of the population. The demographic decline is caused, among other things, by the low birth rate in recent years: on average, there are only 1.6-1.65 children per woman of reproductive age.
The bill proposes to introduce the following measures as of July 1, 2026:
– Women who have given birth to and raised 3-4 children will be able to retire 3 years earlier;
– women with 5 or more children will be entitled to retire 5 years earlier than the standard retirement age.
The authors argue that this measure will serve as a form of social support for mothers who faced career interruptions and had lower incomes due to raising children, and will also become an indirect incentive to increase the birth rate. In addition, the draft cites socio-economic data, including a significant difference in employment rates between women with and without children, as well as lower average pensions for women.
“Significant fiscal impact”
However, the government did not support the initiative, citing significant budgetary costs. According to preliminary estimates, the implementation of the project would require about 400 million lei annually, with no clear source of funding specified.
“Taking into account that women on average have a higher life expectancy, the budgetary effect of such a measure is significant, as it may lead to additional pressure on the state social insurance budget and increase its dependence on transfers from the state budget,” the government’s conclusion said.
In addition, the authorities emphasized that the current legislation already provides for a reduction of the standard retirement age for women who have given birth and raised five or more children until the age of 8. For this category of citizens, the retirement age is reduced by 3 years and, starting from July 1, 2025, will be 58 years and 6 months.
“In the format in which it is proposed, we believe that it is disadvantageous for the families of the Republic of Moldova,” Labor and Social Protection Minister Natalia Plugaru said at the government meeting.
The initiative will continue to be considered in the legislative process, but given the government’s position, it is unlikely to be supported by the parliamentary majority.
