Republic of Moldova | Tofan Government Maintains Energy Compensation for Vulnerable Households and Reforms the Social Support System

The government proposed by Prime Minister-designate Vasile Tofan intends to maintain the energy compensation scheme during the cold season, while ensuring that support is more precisely targeted and provided exclusively to vulnerable households.

The measure is included in the future Cabinet’s governing program, “European Economy, Efficient State”, and will be accompanied by energy efficiency policies and the responsible use of energy resources.

Social Support Based on Actual Economic Circumstances

The governing program provides that public assistance will be directed to individuals and families with the greatest needs, based on a unified assessment of income and actual economic capacity. The authorities aim to ensure a fairer distribution of social benefits, reduce administrative errors, and limit cases in which support is granted to ineligible beneficiaries.

Among the measures included in the program is the maintenance of targeted protection mechanisms during periods of crisis, including energy compensation for vulnerable households.

Reform of the “Social Assistance” Program

The future Cabinet plans to modernize the “Social Assistance” program by revising eligibility criteria and improving monitoring mechanisms. Criteria relating to unemployed persons, caregivers, agricultural land ownership, and other assets will be reassessed to ensure that public support more accurately reflects the actual economic situation of each household.

Reducing Poverty and Promoting Labour Market Integration

The governing program establishes the strengthening of social benefits and services as a key objective to reduce both monetary and multidimensional poverty, with particular attention to families with children, persons with disabilities, and older adults.

At the same time, for beneficiaries who are able to work, social assistance will be linked to employment measures and labour market integration services, helping them achieve a sustainable path out of poverty and vulnerability.

Digitalization of the Social Assistance System

The program also предусматриes the full development and operationalization of the eSocial information system, which will include modules dedicated to social assistance, child protection, disability services, support for victims of violence, refugees, employment services, and labour inspection. The platform will be integrated with other government information systems through the MConnect infrastructure to improve administrative efficiency and facilitate secure data exchange among public institutions.

Tofan Government to Seek Parliament’s Vote of Confidence

President Maia Sandu nominated Vasile Tofan as candidate for the office of Prime Minister on 11 July. Under the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, the Prime Minister-designate must request Parliament’s vote of confidence for the Government’s program and Cabinet composition within 15 days of nomination.

Prior to presenting the new Cabinet, Vasile Tofan held consultations with the incumbent ministers, representatives of the business community, trade unions, employers’ organizations, local public authorities, civil society, and parliamentary factions. Following these consultations, the Prime Minister-designate presented his governmental team on 17 July.

The proposed Cabinet is scheduled to seek Parliament’s vote of confidence during the plenary session on 21 July.