Andrei Năstase, an independent presidential candidate, aims to take the country out of poverty and to develop “a budget for the people”. The candidate intends to persuade the Parliament and the Government to carry out the reform of the central public administration, to reduce the number of MPs from 101 to 61 and the number of public and governmental institutions and to decrease the budget deficit, IPN reports.

At a press conference, Andrei Năstase said that the budget expenditure in 2024 amounts to about 82.6 billion lei, with a deficit of over 16.8 billion lei. In 2023-2024, the Republic of Moldova had the largest budget deficits since its independence. This deficit can be reduced by ensuring a friendly investment climate, by strongly industrializing the economy and by inviting large companies and the diaspora to invest. The largest IT and innovation companies should be brought into the country, smuggling should be annihilated and emphasis should be placed on increasing domestic production and exports, in relation to imports.

“Moldova must attract European investments, not borrow money, as it is done at present, only for consumption - debts that will be repaid by the future generations. We can no longer live on alms,” stated Andrei Năstase.

The candidate said that a national program to combat poverty is needed. This should be a government program in which the money is directed to those who need it and is not lost in the pockets of government officials.

Andrei Năstase undertakes to obtain the adoption and enforcement of the legislative initiative on the monthly allocation of 3,000 lei for each child up to 3 years old and 1,000 lei minimum for children up to 18 years old. He said that no pension in the Republic of Moldova should be lower than 5,700 lei.

Andrei Năstase also called on the voting-eligible citizens to choose reason before illusions.

Independent candidate Andrei Năstase is seventh on the ballot for the October 20 presidential election.