The value of the subsistence level in Moldova in the first half of 2020 amounted to 100 euros (2082 MDL lei), by 2.7 percent (about 2.5 euros) more than in 2019, announces the National Bureau of Statistics. The President’s salary increased by 150 euros, which is nine times higher than the subsistence level. While the COVID-crisis affected the Moldovan economy drastically and the government complains that it has no money for pensions, salaries, or other social needs, officials and decision-makers in Moldova get away with a decent amount of money in their pockets.

What’s it like to live in Moldova with 100 euros (2000 MDL lei)?

Grigore Plămădeală, visual artist

We do not live; we only exist. Dodon, Chicu, and their whole suite – yes, they live. They got their hands on the money-making machines and didn’t bother with the other citizens. They stole enough to reach for themselves and their grandchildren, and they keep stealing. These bastards must be taken down. With today’s prices and taxes, with 100 euros, there is no way to live in the city. I am retired, I have 100euros per month, but if I didn’t have my daughter’s help, I do not know what I would do. Maybe it’s more comfortable in the countryside: a slice of bread, an apple, some nuts, and onion, some pickles, a glass of wine, and so on. Money in old age goes more to health, and health is expensive. For 100 euros, you don’t buy health, and you don’t live either.

Andrei Strâmbeanu, writer

The Moldovan people is with empty pockets, and Dodon on TV tells them they live well. I have not seen greater cynicism or stupidity. Poverty has taken people to the roadside, selling a vegetable or a coat, or what they have in their houses. They have no money. I notice in stores how people look at goods like at an exhibition because they have no money. Romania helps us, the EU helps us, but what do the authorities do with that money? The oligarch Plahotniuc has been running for a year, where is the billion he stole a few years ago from the Moldovan banks? This year’s drought, with the Socialist Party in power, we cannot be safe. I went through famine and ate weeds, and I am terrified of a possible famine. Dodon and Chicu will let us die as the Soviets left us in `46 -` 47. COVID will be nothing compared to a famine for us.

Ion Dron, Justice and Righteousness Association

It is hard to imagine living in Moldova with 100 euros. With this money, man can carry for only his strictly biological survival. That means not having other interests, preferences, occupations. Is that an everyday life? I do not know the units of measurement of the National Bureau of Statistics. Still, no matter what they are, the gap between the subsistence level and the salaries of the state officials, ministers, deputies, and other civil servants is enormous. This is social discrimination. Although wages may not be the same for all, their delimitation margin may not be so high. Some can afford anything and others nothing. The gap between the rich and the poor grows every year, which is the most significant social problem in Moldova. When the government keeps people at the biological subsistence level, only using the population as election tools for winning votes.

Silvia Șterbeț, mayor of Văleni, Cahul, southern Moldova

It’s practically impossible to live on this money. Villages and their communities have never been in the care of governments. It has never been easy to work and live in the country. However, this year is incredibly difficult. Till recently, villagers had some reserves of wheat, and corn kept some livestock. They invested so much in vineyards and crops and with this summer’s drought the villagers have not reaped anything. The winter is coming, and the prices for house utilities will go up. With this in mind, more people are tempted to go abroad to earn money. Few will return home, and the future doesn’t look bright. The villages will have to face a great trial.