Strong Mayoralties – Developed Settlements: over 400 mayors to convene on Chisinau-based Great National Assembly Square on May 29; Romania’s acting PM - special guest

Over 400 mayors from settlements that have initiated the voluntary amalgamation process, district heads, members of professional organizations, as well as external partners are expected to take part in the Strong Mayoralties – Developed Settlements event, which will be held on the Great National Assembly Square (PMAN) on May 29. Romania’s acting Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan, who will be paying a visit to Moldova on this day, will attend the event as well.

The event is dedicated to the reform of local public administration and the strengthening of administrative capacities. Discussions will focus on how the authorities plan to build strong municipalities, capable of attracting external funds, implementing major projects and providing good services to the people.

President Maia Sandu, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and the acting Prime Minister of Romania Ilie Bolojan will participate in the activity.

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

The parliament has recently approved a decision simplifying the voluntary amalgamation process, as an essential part of the local public administration reform. Thus, localities that choose to merge their administrations will benefit from financial incentives for the implementation of local development projects. Another benefit of amalgamation is bringing public services closer to citizens – over 600 services will be accessible through Unified Service Provision Centers and the One-Stop Shop. In addition, in each locality there will be a representative of the mayor, so that the connection between the local administration and the community is maintained.

According to the most recent data presented by the authorities, 663 decisions to initiate the amalgamation process have been approved so far, covering 767 mayoralties and accounting for about 86 per cent of all mayoralties from Moldova.