About 85 per cent of Moldova's mayoralties start voluntary amalgamation: normative amalgamation begins in next August

Approximately 85 per cent of Moldova’s mayoralties have launched the process of voluntary amalgamation. At the same time, the authorities have identified around 200 municipalities that did not choose this path. The process of normative amalgamation will start for them in next August. Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu unveiled information to this effect, after the cabinet meeting.

Alexei Buzu emphasized that the process of voluntary amalgamation ends on July 31, and starting from August, the government will launch the process of normative amalgamation.

“We have 85 per cent of mayoralties that have initiated and adopted the decision on voluntary amalgamation. At the same time, our preliminary data shows that at least 200 municipalities will enter the process of normative amalgamation, which will be launched in August. Starting next week, they will receive notifications and we will begin the process of normative amalgamation. After the local elections in 2027, no municipality of Moldova will manage public affairs for a population of fewer than 3,000 inhabitants,” noted Alexei Buzu.

The secretary general of the government also explained the necessity of the amendment approved the parliament on July 28, which stipulates that mayoralties that will initiate decisions on voluntary amalgamation by July 31 will be able to finalize the process by September 1.

“This amendment provides legal clarity. For example, we are discussing in parliament, in first reading, the new administrative structure, while in the Local Council a process of amalgamation is initiated. And, in order to avoid these overlapping processes, it was decided to introduce this amendment. That’s all. So, it is not a change of the deadline. The deadline is July 31. Because if today or tomorrow a Local Council initiates the amalgamation process from the scratch, it will not be able to fit into the process, as there are more stages: you have to consult the citizens, you have to listen to their opinion, you have to negotiate with other localities,” said Alexei Buzu.

In late last January, the government announced the launch of the preparation process for the local public administration reform, as part of efforts to modernize administration and improve public services. Subsequently, the authorities organized extensive public consultations, after which the concept of the reform was presented.