Public policies adapted to the needs of Ialoveni district – a decisive tool for unlocking the region’s economic potential

Ialoveni benefits from its proximity to Chișinău, attracting people from other districts. Yet its population fell from 86.3 thousand in 2014 to 75.4 thousand on 1 January 2022, mainly due to emigration. Only the town of Ialoveni records positive net migration, while rural localities are shrinking. 12.3% of residents plan to leave within three years, more men (16.3%) than women (9.9%).

Only 44.5% of those aged 15–64 are in paid work (men 54.3%, women 38.3%), and just 40% of them are satisfied with their job status. Over 80% of people aged 65 and over rate their health positively, suggesting scope for active ageing. The authors recommend higher wages and a realistic minimum wage, private investment, measures to engage inactive young people, family-friendly labour markets, more nurseries, investment in healthcare infrastructure and gender-sensitive policies.