Moldova's Poverty Rates Remain High as Minister Stresses Gradual Improvement

Moldovan Economy Minister Eugen Osmochescu told a TV program that, despite official data showing one in three citizens living below the poverty line, the country is "living better" and that the effects of recent reforms will become more noticeable in the coming years. He linked future progress to faster European integration and warned that a significant economic boost is not expected until around 2027‑2028, provided Moldova avoids external conflicts.

According to the National Statistics Bureau, the absolute poverty rate reached 31.1 % in 2025, with extreme poverty at 15.1 %. In the southern region, roughly half of the population falls below the poverty threshold, especially the elderly and large families. Authorities say legal measures are already in place, but stress that employment is the most effective solution.

The minister highlighted that Moldova’s reform pace is faster than many other EU candidate states and that the country aims to catch up quickly with nations that have benefited from years of EU pre‑accession funds.