Prime Minister explains why Transnistrian region was not included in administrative-territorial reform

The Transnistrian region was not included in the three regions provided for in the concept of the administrative-territorial reform because the constitutional authorities do not control this territory, and it would not be correct to create an unrealistic picture. “The territory is under Russian occupation,” Prime Minister Vasile Tofan explained. He emphasized that the authorities must focus on reintegrating this region.


“Of course, in the concept we are talking about the region on the left bank of the Dniester and, naturally, it is part of the Republic of Moldova. I simply believe that we should not construct an illusory reality in which we pretend that we currently control this region. The territory is under Russian occupation. I believe that we must focus on how to integrate this region, rather than devising schemes and various plans under conditions in which we still do not control it,” Vasile Tofan told Exclusiv TV.


Referring to the reform of public administration, Tofan explained that the current concept adopts from previous initiatives the emphasis on strengthening the first administrative level, namely local government. According to the prime minister, the number of first-level administrative-territorial units is expected to decrease from approximately 900 to 273.


“For a small country such as the Republic of Moldova, three levels of bureaucracy are unnecessary. The local and central levels are sufficient,” he said, adding that this approach is consistent with the vision of strengthening local public administration.


Regarding the savings that could be achieved through the reform, the prime minister said that the financial effects would be felt in the medium term. At the initial stage, part of the resources saved through the simplification of the administrative structure will be used for development projects in localities that voluntarily consolidate through the financial incentive mechanisms provided for by the authorities.

At the district level, significant savings are expected, Vasile Tofan noted.

On October 8, the Government presented the concept for the new administrative-territorial map of the Republic of Moldova, which provides for the reorganization of local public administration into 273 local government units and three regions—North, Center, and South. The municipalities of Chișinău and Bălți will retain their current status, Taraclia will become a level-II municipality, while the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia will retain its special status.