Moldova's Ruling Party Faces Backlash Over Public Salary Surge

Moldova's PAS Government Faces Scrutiny Over Soaring Public Sector Salaries Chisinau, Moldova – A recent Canal 5 report has sparked debate in Moldova over the substantial increase in public sector salaries under the ruling PAS party. The report focuses on the Chancellery of State, revealing a dramatic rise in both staffing levels and salary expenditures since 2021. In 2021, the salary budget was 30.2 million lei, but by 2025 (January-April), it had ballooned to 40.6 million lei. The number of employees also increased from 205 in 2021 to 326 in 2025. "The increase in the number of employees and expenses is linked to the creation of new structures," stated a representative from the Chancellery of State, in response to Canal 5's inquiry. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism, given the PAS party's previous strong criticism of government overspending while in opposition. The report highlights the contrast between the PAS party's past promises of fiscal responsibility and the current reality. This discrepancy has raised concerns among citizens, especially given the ongoing economic challenges faced by many Moldovans. The average disability pension in Moldova is only 2830 lei, while the average salary in the real sector is 15,000 lei. The sharp increase in public sector salaries, therefore, is a sensitive issue for many.