Moldovan parliament speaker says only large localities to be able to provide quality services

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu says that the process of amalgamating localities is essential for modernizing local public administration and ensuring efficient public services. He noted that only larger localities had the capacity to maintain infrastructure.

"The amalgamation concerns hundreds of localities, it’s a serious number, and it’s good that this very simple truth has taken root: it is better for them to be part of the process, to be involved, in order to participate in what we call the search for the best amalgamation solutions," Igor Grosu said.

He emphasized the role of local elected officials in identifying appropriate solutions for the territorial reform:

"Who else but mayors and local elected officials know the grassroots realities? There are localities that have traditionally been together, have interacted and have their own customs, and this will help us speed up and implement the amalgamation, so that we are ready for 2027."

Referring to the present public infrastructure, Grosu highlighted the need for administrative consolidation:

"Only large localities are able to provide quality services and to maintain the infrastructure in which we have invested – we are talking about water supply systems, sewerage, waste management services, public institutions, kindergartens."

The entire top leadership of the country today took part in the event, Strong Mayoralties – Developed Settlements, organized on the Great National Assembly Square. Acting Prime Minister of Romania Ilie Bolojan was also present at the event.

The action brought together over 400 mayors from localities that have initiated the voluntary amalgamation process, district presidents, members of professional organizations, as well as external partners, and was dedicated to the reform of local public administration and the strengthening of administrative capacities.

In late last January, the government officially announced the launch of the process of preparing the 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 interested parties, after which the government presented the reform concept.

According to the latest data presented by the authorities, 663 decisions to initiate the amalgamation process have been approved so far, covering 767 mayoralties, which represents about 86 per cent of all mayoralties of Moldova.