How the State Budget Was Executed and How Money Was Spent on Education

2014 was the first year in which budgeting and execution were based on programmes and subprograms. Moldova's score for budget execution rose from B in 2011 to A, but planning by functional spending group stayed at B because of significant deviations. Only 12 of 20 main spending groups were reported in detail by programme, and public debt management remains weak. Targets for 2014 were met at about 64% on average, but only 44.8% for transport, roads, communications and IT, and 20% for communal services.

Education received 7% of GDP in 2014. Between 2005 and 2013 the number of pupils and students fell by 30.6%, while budget spending, in 2008 prices, rose by 50.7%. Institutions and teachers declined far more slowly than enrolment, so much funding goes to maintaining the system rather than improving learning. Reforms are at an early stage, and Moldova ranks last in its region for the efficiency of public education spending.