Reform of local public administration of Moldova in spotlight of Congress of Council of Europe

Building strong, connected communities that are closer to the people is the main goal of the local public administration reform pursued by the Moldovan authorities. Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu has taken part in the 50th session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, held in Strasbourg. The official emphasized that trust in democracy and in the state started in the community.

“This is built when people have access to better services, the authorities listen to them, and changes are visible in everyday life,” Buzu said.

The 50th session brought together delegations from 46 member states, in order to discuss essential topics, such as rebuilding communities affected by war, ensuring free elections at local and regional level, protecting local elected representatives, and strengthening democracy and social rights. The session’s agenda also included discussions on current challenges facing local authorities and on how they can respond more effectively to citizens’ needs.

During the session, Alexei Buzu presented the progress made by Moldova in reforming local public administration, considered one of the country’s most important reforms.

“We spoke about the reform of local public administration – one of the most important reforms for Moldova – through which we aim to build stronger communities, better connected and closer to people. This reform means more accessible public services, investments in infrastructure, greater transparency, greater efficiency and a real dialogue between central and local authorities and citizens,” Alexei Buzu said.

The secretary general of the government reiterated the role of the Council of Europe as a reliable partner in the reform process and reaffirmed Moldova’s commitment to continuing reforms that strengthen local democracy and support the country’s European path.

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is the political voice of regions and local communities in Europe, providing a framework for promoting and monitoring local democracy, encouraging self-government and implementing the European Charter of Local Self-Government. Structured into two chambers — Local Authorities and Regions — the Congress convenes at in plenary sessions twice a year and contributes to the formulation of recommendations that help member states strengthen democracy and territorial governance.

Moldova currently holds the presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the organization’s main decision-making body, for the period 14 November 2025 – 15 May 2026. Chisinau has set out an extensive programme of priorities, including strengthening the mechanisms of the European Convention on Human Rights, promoting children’s rights, combating violence against women, reinforcing social rights, supporting local democracy and countering disinformation.

A central objective of the presidency is also firm support for Ukraine, including the operationalization of the Special Tribunal and the Claims Commission.