Almost 2,000 retirees across Moldova benefit from early retirement. It is an innovation in the public social security system that came into force on 1 January 2017.

In order to qualify for such a pension, men must be at least 60 years of age and make contribution period of 33 years and 6 months. For women, the work time must be 30 years and six months.

Pre-retirement pension is fully paid as for normal pension. The early pension is 2,300 lei.

"It was introduced after examining not only other countries' experience bus also the citizen's rights to request early retirement pension", explained Nelia Rusu, head of the social insurance policies directorate of Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection.