Following the formal adoption of the declaration, Labor and Social Protection Minister Natalia Plugaru reiterated that Moldova intends to consistently put social rights at the center of the national policy, and to take them into account as a priority in the process of accession to the European Union – “so that no one is left behind”.
“Our experience has shown that social protection is not only a welfare issue, but also the basis of social cohesion, trust in the state and democratic stability,” Plougarou said.
According to the minister, societies that invest in social rights are more easily able to withstand crises.
The baton of the conference passed to Portugal
Although Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu was announced to participate in the closing of the conference, the Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu spoke instead, explaining that the Prime Minister was busy with issues related to the water supply crisis in the north of the country due to the pollution of the Dniester.
Buzu recalled that Moldova ratified the European Social Charter in 2001. He highlighted the role of social protection in the state’s economy. According to him, there is no competitiveness without real social protection and there is no functioning economy without citizens’ trust.
“Social protection and economic development do not exclude each other – they mutually support each other. That is why we continue to invest in people, expand social services, invest in education and modernize institutions,” said the Secretary General of the Government.
It is worth mentioning that the High-Level Conference on Social Rights “European Social Charter” was organized with the support of the Council of Europe, within the Moldovan chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
The next conference will be held in Portugal in 2029.
