Government seeks 3.2 billion lei in external funds for cold-season aid
The budget allocated for cold-season compensation could range between 2.5 and 3.2 billion lei, aiming to provide higher levels of assistance and expand the number of beneficiaries, Finance Minister Victoria Belous announced. Authorities are currently seeking additional funding sources, including external support, to secure the necessary funds.
"You approve the maximum budget strictly when you have the funds. However, it is clear that an optimal budget would be 3 billion... somewhere between 2.5 billion and 3.2 billion... that way, we could provide significantly greater support to more citizens," stated Victoria Belous following the government meeting on September 30.
The Minister of Finance emphasized, however, that the final budget figure for compensation must be aligned with the state's financial capacity, noting that for 2026, the resources allocated for this purpose come exclusively from domestic revenues.
"We have to consider our capacity because today—or rather, for the year 2026—all funds for compensation are derived from the Republic of Moldova's own revenues. (...) We have no external funds to offset these expenses. These compensation payments are part of the national public budget, and since the budget is already running a deficit, these costs generate an additional deficit", Belous said.
At the same time, authorities are seeking additional resources to increase support for the population, as fluctuations in international markets are affecting costs borne by citizens, the business sector, and public institutions.
"That is precisely why we have reached out to foreign partners. Since our budgetary capacity is—unfortunately—quite limited, we are trying to identify further sources of funding to help our citizens. (...) We are working to secure more support for the public," the minister added.
When asked whether increasing the budget for compensation payments might require a new budget revision, the Minister of Finance said it depends on identifying additional resources.
"If we find extra funds, we will make the effort to do it; the main thing is finding them," replied Victoria Belous.
According to the minister, should the budget deficit rise due to increased compensation spending, it would need to be covered through borrowing—funds that could be raised from either domestic or foreign markets.
"And yes, anyone—even someone who isn't the Minister of Finance—would tell you that when there is a deficit, the only way to cover it is through borrowing, whether from domestic or external sources," Victoria Belous concluded.
Authorities recently announced that the value of compensation payments planned for the upcoming season is comparable to last year's levels. The minimum aid amount will be 500 lei, while the maximum compensation will vary depending on the heating energy source.
During the previous cold season, the Government allocated nearly 2.4 billion lei for compensation, with approximately 620,000 households benefiting from this support.
