Dmitri Torner, leader of the “NOI – New Historical Option” party, stated that the labor shortage is becoming one of the key factors hindering the development of the national economy of the Republic of Moldova.

According to him, estimates by the Ministry of Economy and Digitalization indicate that the current labor shortage stands at around 300,000 people. At the same time, the total number of employed persons is about 774,000, meaning that the current demand for labor is nearly half of total employment.

Torner noted that this figure is comparable to the number of Moldovan citizens who have left the country in recent years. Although not all those who emigrated are part of the active workforce, the link between migration, the broader demographic crisis, and the labor shortage is, in his view, очевидна (clear).

Amid the workforce deficit, more and more companies in Moldova are turning to foreign workers—from Nepal, India, Uzbekistan, and other countries—to meet labor demand. However, the politician believes that this approach only temporarily improves the situation and does not offer solutions in the medium or long term.

He also cited data showing that in just the first 100 days of 2026, Moldova’s population decreased by 7,821 people, of whom about 4,500 left permanently. “The country is losing an average of 46 people per day,” Torner emphasized, adding that this further deepens the demographic crisis and, consequently, the labor shortage.

The politician warned about the risks of excessive dependence on foreign labor. According to him, if current trends continue, at some point every third worker in the country could be a foreigner. This, he argued, entails both economic and social risks, including increased vulnerability of the economy and potential challenges in integration.

At the same time, Torner stressed that Moldova should not completely abandon the import of labor, but this process must be strictly regulated. Among the priority measures, he mentioned reducing the outflow of the workforce and encouraging members of the diaspora to return home by offering better working conditions and opportunities to start a business.

In his view, only a comprehensive approach will help stabilize the labor market, avoid imbalances and excessive dependence, and restore Moldova’s attractiveness to investors by ensuring a sufficient supply of qualified and affordable labor.