Local Public Administration Reform: 435 decisions to launch amalgamation process approved

A total of 435 decisions to launch the amalgamation process have been approved so far, involving more than 550 town halls across the country. The figures were presented today by Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu, who noted that this number will increase in the near future.

“We have 435 decisions to initiate the amalgamation process. Our estimates show that over 550 town halls are already involved in the process. We believe that the number will increase in the near future. We are in constant contact with our colleagues in local public administration, we offer them support and explanations, and we discuss with citizens, because this is a very important process in which we must listen to citizens’ opinions and see what their development priorities are,” said Alexei Buzu after today’s Government meeting.

The official also provided several examples illustrating the most ambitious amalgamation efforts. Thus, in Ungheni, ten town halls are merging into a single town hall, with a population of 44,326 citizens. In Fălești, eight town halls will become one, with 22,609 citizens. Another 11 town halls in Călărași are joining into a strong, consolidated town hall, with a population of 20,551 citizens. In Rezina, nine mayors have decided to unite. The population in the new town hall will be 17,216 citizens.

“Those nine town halls are merging around Rezina Town Hall. The 2026 budget of Rezina Town Hall is 90 million lei. The development incentive will be 85 million lei. So we will provide approximately an additional development budget, because for us this process of consolidation, of unification, is also a process of investing in better services and in the infrastructure of our citizens,” stressed Alexei Buzu.

In Râșcani, eight town halls are merging into a stronger town hall with 17,000 citizens, and another consolidated town hall will unite 15 town halls, offering better services for 16,500 citizens.

“Our mayors are brave, they take on more complex decisions, and we in the Government, in Parliament and in political parties must follow their example, not politicize this vital and important reform, not hinder it, but help and encourage it,” concluded Alexei Buzu.

In late January, the Government officially announced the launch of the preparation process for local public administration reform, as part of efforts to modernize administration and improve the quality of public services provided to the population. Subsequently, broad consultations on the reform were held with all stakeholders, after which the Government presented the reform concept.

According to amendments recently approved by Parliament, the process of voluntary amalgamation of administrative-territorial units will be simplified and improved, as an essential part of the local public administration reform. The amendments were drafted following an extensive public consultation process, in which over 4,500 mayors and citizens participated.