In 2009, pro-Western opposition parties unseated Europe’s last governing communist party amid public protests against the regime. Given Moldova’s high rates of unemployment and an economy that is heavily dependent on remittances from thousands of Moldovans working abroad, this change in leadership signaled a significant shift in Moldova’s political and economic paradigm.
In the latest Economic Reform Feature Service article, Dr. Ceslav Ciobanu, former Moldovan Ambassador to the United States, explains the background of Moldovan economic policy and current priorities for reform in Moldova. Moving forward, Ciobanu argues that Moldova must make better use of existing potential sources for economic growth, including remittances; improve the business climate by continuing deregulation and encouraging fair competition; continue liberalizing trade and improving supporting infrastructures; and increase the efficiency and performance of the public sector.
Article at a glance:
- Political and economic reforms in Moldova over the last decade have been more difficult than expected and often remain incomplete.
- Although Moldova has made progress in its transition process, the legacy of government mismanagement of the economy presents a challenge to reform.
- The new reformist government has a historic opportunity to advance long-neglected reforms and help realize Moldova’s goal of membership in the European Union.
