Moldova's 2026 state budget focuses on investments and capital expenditures totaling 11.4 billion lei, including 5.6 billion lei from the EU-approved Economic Growth Plan
This was announced by Radu Marian, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Budget, and Finance, during a public discussion of the draft 2026 state budget held on the committee's platform. The discussions were attended by members of parliament from various parliamentary factions, Finance Minister Andrian Gavrilită, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, as well as trade unions from various sectors and the Moldova Fruct association. During the meeting, amendment proposals were presented, which will be taken into account when finalizing the draft law. "This budget is focused on investments and capital expenditures," he said. "In this area, we have increased spending to 11.4 billion lei, including 5.6 billion lei from the EU-approved Economic Growth Plan. We are doing this so that, as the economy grows, we will have more funds for social measures and wage increases. I reiterate that next year we will adopt a new Law on Salaries, with which we intend to more decisively influence the meaning of salary increases," Radu Marian emphasized. According to him, the document's goal is to strengthen economic resilience, develop infrastructure, stimulate private sector competitiveness, and facilitate strategic investments in priority economic sectors. The minimum wage in the public sector will also increase from 5,500 to 6,300 lei. In 2026, revenues are estimated to increase by 5.1% compared to the current year, exceeding 79.67 billion lei. The largest share of next year's projected revenues, 91.4%, will come from taxes and fees. According to the Ministry of Finance, the increase in revenues will be driven by moderate economic growth, favorable external dynamics, and progress on structural reforms. Meanwhile, expenditures will increase by 7% compared to those planned for 2025, exceeding 100.57 billion lei. It is planned that 93% of next year's budgeted expenditures will be covered from general state budget resources. At the same time, over 5.7 billion lei will be spent on projects financed from external sources. According to the Ministry of Finance, the 2026 state budget emphasizes responsible investment. Thus, next year, capital expenditures will increase by 35.6% compared to 2025, exceeding 3 billion lei—the highest figure in recent years. These funds are intended for the implementation of 85 infrastructure and road projects, the modernization and renovation of kindergartens, crèches, etc. Additionally, 5.6 billion lei will be allocated from the EU Growth Plan for investment projects, infrastructure, and reforms. The largest share of capital investments, over 47%, falls to the economic sector. This amount, 1.44 billion lei, is allocated for road repair projects financed from external sources. Another 245 million lei of the total amount allocated for capital investments is intended for water supply and sanitation projects. The document also stipulates that appropriations for general public services will amount to 16.1 billion lei (16% of total state budget expenditures). 74% of this amount is intended for development programs and other sectoral activities, such as the implementation of information technology, diaspora support, financial support for administrative-territorial units, etc. Allocations in the amount of 14.85 billion lei are intended for economic services, which is 25.8% more than the allocations envisaged for 2025. Accordingly, 1.06 billion lei are intended for measures to support small and medium enterprises; 561.8 million lei - for the production and storage of electricity; 465.2 million lei - for the National Fund for Agriculture and Rural Environment Development; 284 million lei - for the National Fund for Regional and Local Development, etc. About 9.8% of the state budget expenditures (9.89 billion lei) are intended for healthcare. The allocated funds are intended for the development of an integrated regional network, the implementation of electronic medical records, a system for monitoring and localizing medicines, expanding access to innovative drugs, etc. Additionally, 21.94 billion lei is earmarked for education, including 238 million lei for free school meals, 35 million lei for increasing student stipends, and 41 million lei for modernizing kindergartens. 22.47 billion lei will be allocated to social protection. The 2026 state budget is estimated to end with a deficit of 20.9 billion lei. Its main sources of funding will be both domestic and external. After revision, the document, supplemented by proposals from parliamentary factions, standing committees, and members of parliament, will be submitted to parliament for adoption in a second reading. // 16.12.2025 — InfoMarket
