Programmes of the 2024 Moldovan presidential candidates: between handing out free elephants and realistic promises

Most candidates launched detailed programmes, which suggests some positive evolution in electoral culture. Yet unrealistic or inappropriate socio-economic pledges persist, often exceeding the president's constitutional powers. The president does not set pension indexation, build roads or hospitals, manage public debt, determine fiscal or monetary policy, or create jobs.

Candidates mostly propose major increases in public spending, such as higher pensions, lower taxes, subsidies and large infrastructure investment, without naming funding sources. They reject public debt, do not say which spending should be cut, avoid discussing higher taxes, and rely on vague “economic reforms” to deliver growth without identifying its drivers. The analysis follows the order on the ballot paper approved by the Central Electoral Commission. It is not exhaustive and aims to convey the spirit of the programmes through examples. The commentary was produced with the support of NED.