Evidence-Based Public Policies: A Key Factor in the Socio-Economic Development of the Bălți Municipality Region

Bălți had 98.2 thousand residents at the start of 2022, or 3.8% of Moldova’s population. Working-age people make up 58% of the total, yet only 53% of those aged 15-64 are in paid work. One in ten residents plans to move abroad within three years, rising to one in four among those aged 15-34. The total fertility rate was 1.5 children per woman in 2021 and is still falling, below the number of children people say they want. Early education is well developed, with 96 children enrolled per 100 places, but poor households use it less.

The authors recommend wider access to early education, especially for vulnerable families; well-paid jobs created through investment and support for young entrepreneurs; gender equality and awareness campaigns; and active, healthy ageing, with better healthcare and social assistance for older people. The study draws on National Bureau of Statistics data and the Generations and Gender Survey.