Moldova’s Social Policy Response to Covid-19: Citizen Support for Government Initiatives

Abstract

This report analyses citizens’ attitudes towards and support for government initiatives aiming to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic in Moldova. It draws on mixed-methods research carried out in Moldova in June and July 2020 by questionnaire conducted with a nationally representative sample (n=1202) and a qualitative survey through in-depth interviews (n=95). The questionnaire respondents share a high degree of dissatisfaction with the way the authorities managed the Covid-19 pandemic and its socio-economic impact. Respondents with more confidence in state institutions are more satisfied with the way the pandemic and its effects were managed. Participants interviewed in the qualitative survey highlighted several gaps and inconsistencies in the way the authorities managed the pandemic and its impact on people’s lives. The “pro-business and pro-citizens” measures announced by the government of Moldova on 1 April 2020, in a context strongly influenced by the presidential elections which took place in November 2020, proved to be modest and hardly effective. The support measures introduced by the Moldovan government for businesses and employees represented 1.2% of GDP, which is extremely low compared to the support provided to enterprises and employees in Western countries and other countries in the region. The actions or inactions of the authorities might further undermine citizens’ trust in state institutions and the official interpretation of events.