Moldova announces 8 billion lei for infrastructure and social support
Prime Minister Dorin Recean announced that approximately 8 billion lei (~$445,000,000) will be allocated this year for strategic investments and social measures.
The funds are allocated in the PLUS Budget, which is scheduled to be approved by both the Government and the Parliament. According to the Prime Minister, the funds will be directed toward two main areas: the energy package and the economic development package.
"The PLUS Budget is the largest financial package ever allocated by the Government of the Republic of Moldova for investments and economic growth. This means approximately 8 billion lei will be allocated to two main areas: 1) the energy package, and 2) the economic development package," said Prime Minister Dorin Recean during a press conference.
Investments outlined in the PLUS Budget include:
- 1 billion lei (~$55,000,000) for the repair of 200 km of regional and local roads;
- 1 billion lei for local roads in 100 localities, the modernization of courtyards in Chișinău, and the renovation of agricultural markets in Edineț, Bălți, Ungheni, Comrat, and Cahul;
- 200 million lei (~$11,000,000) for the modernization of canteens in all schools – a total of 1,201 institutions – ensuring that, starting from September 1, 2025, students in secondary schools will receive free meals;
- 200 million lei for 700 entrepreneurs to create jobs;
- 200 million lei for farmers, through programs supporting value-added products;
- 60 million lei for young people entering the workforce, providing an additional 3,000 lei (~$150) to their monthly salary for one year;
- 100 million lei for environmental projects, specifically to equip 130 localities with waste collection equipment;
- 85 million lei for the modernization of railway infrastructure: the rehabilitation of the access road to the Fălciu Bridge and the Văleni line, which will enable the transportation of 300,000 tons of goods by rail and reduce road traffic.
"Additionally, through the Fălciu point, we are resuming train traffic after 30 years and opening a new connection for our goods to Romania and the European Union, equivalent to 13,000 trucks that currently travel on national roads, eroding them and often causing long queues at customs," explained Recean.
In addition to investments, the energy package will cover:
- Compensation for the first 110 kWh consumed on electricity bills;
- Heating assistance for the cold season;
- Financial support for hospitals, kindergartens, schools, and other social institutions;
- Subsidies for agro-food enterprises;
- Energy efficiency measures;
- A special Easter assistance for vulnerable families.
"This budget allocation is only possible thanks to the support of our partners – referring to the European Union and its member states. The funds provided by the European Union – free financial support – allow us to offer significant compensation for electricity and heating bills," emphasized Dorin Recean.
Doina Gherman, the Vice President of Parliament, added that this budget focuses on "repaired roads, modernized localities, motivated young people staying home, and entrepreneurs who will benefit from government financial support."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
