Local public administration reform to continue with voluntary amalgamation: Clarifications from Igor Grosu and Vasile Tofan

The local public administration (LPA) reform will continue along the line of voluntary amalgamation, while any potential conceptual changes, including a shift to a municipalization model, could be examined in the next electoral cycle. The message was delivered today by Speaker Igor Grosu and designated candidate for the position of Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, following several discussions on the implementation of the LPA reform.

Grosu said that at present, the authorities will continue implementing the reform based on the voluntary amalgamation model, since the reform is already at an advanced stage.

“Two approaches exist: municipalization and voluntary amalgamation, the one we are following. Even though there have been discussions about an approach based on municipalization, at this stage a radical change of direction is not appropriate. Mr. Tofan understands that the reform, which has been discussed both within the parliamentary faction and at the National Political Council, is already at an advanced stage, and now is not the right moment to intervene radically using the approach he proposed. This has also been acknowledged by him,” said Igor Grosu.

The Speaker noted that a return to the topic of municipalization could be considered for the next electoral cycle.

“At present, we already have elements of municipalization; the example of Ungheni municipality is a relevant one. There, the initiative of amalgamation has expanded so much that it is practically set to encompass all localities in the district. So such elements already exist. We will examine this approach for the next electoral cycle. You cannot introduce such changes during the mayors’ and councilors’ term of office, because this would create disruption, turbulence and other difficulties. We must ensure the predictability of the mandate,” Igor Grosu remarked.

Vasile Tofan emphasized that he would have preferred a more ambitious administrative-territorial reform, but he believes that, under current conditions, continuity is the most responsible option.

“I am a responsible person. This is not the vision I would have wished for; I would have liked the reform to be more ambitious. Still, I am a responsible person. Today is July 11, we are very close to the deadline. The machinery of the state cannot be changed in an instant. I do not fully agree with this approach; I wanted something bolder, but considering how far the process has advanced, it would be madness to turn it radically in another direction. Therefore, we will focus on continuity,” Vasile Tofan underlined.

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

So far, 773 city halls have officially launched voluntary amalgamation procedures, in an effort to redesign and strengthen local public administration. Of these, 112 localities have already chosen to merge their administrative structures around 24 district centers. The authorities have announced that July 31 is the final date by which mayoralties can adopt a decision on voluntary amalgamation.