Over 400 mayors attend consultations on investments for amalgamated localities

Over 400 mayors from the North, Center, and South regions took part in a series of consultations organized by the Government on investments and projects intended for localities involved in the voluntary amalgamation process.

The three days of discussions concluded today with a meeting dedicated to mayors from the South region, attended by President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea and Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu.

President Maia Sandu praised the involvement of mayors in the amalgamation process and their ability to obtain community support for the necessary changes: “This is a complex reform, but I want us, in a few years, to see that these difficult decisions have brought results and that our localities are more developed. We need strong town halls, capable of attracting specialists, responding to citizens’ needs, and focusing on development. I encourage those who are still in the process to continue with the same determination. We will need to work closely and united in this effort. We all want this reform to succeed.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea spoke about the need to increase the pace of investments and the capacity of town halls to implement projects: “There are no small villages or big villages, important or less important. We must invest where needs are most pressing and reduce disparities between localities. We have a lot to build, and we can only do this together.”

Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu emphasized the responsibility that comes with accessing funding: “Incentive No. 2 is an important opportunity, but money comes with requirements and responsibility. We want to discuss how we can use these resources better so that investments respond to priorities established together with the people.”

The discussions focused on investment prioritization and the capacity of the new administrations to prepare and implement projects. Mayors came forward with proposals and addressed the difficulties they anticipate in the process of accessing and using the funding.

Special emphasis was placed on investments that can reduce gaps between localities and improve living conditions – from basic infrastructure and public services to projects that create long-term development opportunities.