The European Social Democratic Party (PSDE) expresses its strong disagreement with the authorities’ intention to reorganize 73 rural schools, 10 of which are planned to be closed, TRIBUNA reports.

“We consider this decision to be a new stage in the dismantling of the national education system, especially in rural areas.

The amendments to the Education Code, approved in the first reading by Parliament, will directly affect more than 2,700 students. Of these, over 1,300 will be forced to commute to other educational institutions, which means lost time, additional costs, and more difficult conditions for children and their families. In many localities, transport infrastructure is poorly developed, and the safety and comfort of students cannot be guaranteed,” the statement reads.

PSDE argues that education reform cannot be reduced to administrative calculations and budget savings.

“A school is not just an educational institution — it is a pillar of the community. Closing a school effectively condemns a village to depopulation and decline. A village without a school is a village without a future.

Data show that during the current government’s term, more than 50 primary and secondary schools have already been closed. The number of vocational schools has decreased from 42 to 32, and the number of universities from 24 to 16. These figures confirm a dangerous trend of shrinking educational infrastructure.

Education reform must be sustainable, balanced, and based on a thorough analysis of social impact. Any reorganization must be correlated with investments in infrastructure, safe and efficient school transport, digitalization, attracting teachers to rural areas, and programs for village revitalization,” the party adds.

PSDE calls on the authorities to stop the process of closing village schools, to initiate consultations with local public authorities, teachers, and parents, and to present a clear support plan for rural communities.

“Education cannot be sacrificed in the name of short‑term savings. The future of our children and the future of Moldova’s villages must remain a national priority,” the party concluded.