Moldova
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
60 / 100
Partly Free
Nations in Transit
36 / 100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
Moldova has a competitive electoral environment, and the freedoms of assembly, speech, and religion are largely protected. Nonetheless, pervasive corruption in the government sector, links between major political parties and powerful economic interests, and deficiencies in the rule of law continue to hamper democratic governance.
Research & Recommendations
Moldova
Partly Free
60
100
| PR Political Rights | 25 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 35 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
61
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Moldova has a competitive electoral environment, and freedoms of assembly, speech, and religion are mostly protected. Nonetheless, pervasive corruption, links between major political figures and powerful economic interests, and critical deficiencies in the justice sector and the rule of law all hamper democratic governance.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Moldova
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
36
100
| DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 35.71 100 |
| DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 3.14 7 |
Last Year's Democracy Percentage & Status
36
100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 1 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The Democracy Percentage, introduced in 2020, is a translation of the Democracy Score to the 0-100 scale, where 0 equals least democratic and 100 equals most democratic.
See the methodology.
Executive Summary
In 2023, Moldova experienced complicated, and to some extent controversial, political developments marked by a number of radical measures adopted under the justification of external threats. The political process was heavily influenced by the urgency to implement the reform agenda driven by the imperative to open European accession negotiations and the persisting geopolitical crisis in the region stemming from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Nations in Transit 2024 Policy Recommendations
Ensure that Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is soundly defeated.
The future of European democracy and security is now inextricably linked to the fate of Ukraine. European Union (EU) and NATO member states must not only invest far more—and more efficiently—in their collective defense, but also provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to roll back Russian advances and build a durable democracy of its own.
Support democratic renewal and reform.
In addition to defending the international order from emboldened autocrats, democratic governments must attend to democratic renewal within Europe, particularly among nascent democracies.
Provide consistent messaging and support to Europe’s aspiring democracies.
Military aggression from autocracies in the region has underscored the dangers of exclusion from democracy-based organizations like the EU and NATO, galvanizing the political will of policymakers in aspiring member states and generating further public pressure to undertake long-sought democratic reforms.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
60
/ 100
Partly Free
Nations in Transit Score
36
/ 100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
Population: 2,539,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
October 20, 2024
Type of Election
Presidential
Internet Penetration
63.50%
Election Year
2024
Vulnerability Index
63
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
