The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has drafted legislation that would gradually raise the retirement age for military personnel and employees with special status in Moldova from next year.
Under legislation adopted in 1993, members of the security services have been able to retire from the age of 45. The rule remained unchanged for decades, but the government is now proposing a reform intended to reduce pressure on public finances.
Under the draft law, the security personnel retirement age would rise by six months each year between 2027 and 2036. By the end of the transition period, eligible employees would retire at 50. The minimum period of service required to qualify for a pension would also increase substantially. Personnel would need at least 20 years of service in the military or security structures, compared with the current requirement of 12 years and six months.
They would also need a total employment record of at least 25 years. The proposal would further raise the maximum permitted age for remaining in service. For junior and mid-ranking personnel, the limit would increase from 50 to 55. For senior officers, it would rise from 55 to 60.
The authors of the bill estimate that the changes would save the state budget around 49 million lei. The planned increase in the security personnel retirement age extends the broader debate over pension reform to groups that have traditionally benefited from more favourable retirement conditions.
