Moldovan government's secretary general says stakes of reform stronger communities, administration capable of developing them

Strong communities need strong mayoralties. And strong mayoralties need resources, competencies and the capacity to turn people’s needs into projects and investments. Government Secretary-General Alexei Buzu has made statements to this effect, referring to the reform of second-level local public administration, presented by the cabinet today.

According to the official, the government is proposing the reorganization of the 32 districts into three regions – North, Centre, and South – and one municipality, Taraclia. Chisinau and Balti will keep their status as municipalities, while the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia will maintain its special status.

„Today, we are taking an important step forward: placing mayoralties at the centre of local development, with regions focused on development and services that remain close to the people,” Alexei Buzu said.

According to the Concept for the Reorganization of Second-Level Local Public Administration, the new regions will have a narrower mandate, focused on regional development, cooperation between mayoralties, projects’ preparation and attracting funding.

Mayoralties are expected to play a central role in local development, while regional structures will support projects that exceed the boundaries of a single locality, as well as prepare them for securing funding.

An important component of the reform concerns keeping public services close to citizens.

„Citizens will not have to go to the regional centre for services they currently receive in their locality. The institution administering the service may change, but not the place where people access it,” the government’s secretary-general noted.

At the same time, assets meant for local services will remain in the communities. Libraries, museums, art schools, camps and other local institutions will continue their activities in the localities where they currently operate.

The reorganization also aims to reduce administrative costs. According to the concept, the three regions will have together a more streamlined administrative apparatus, with specialists focused on development, projects’ preparation and supporting mayoralties.

Alexei Buzu said that the reform had been developed following dialogue with local elected officials and communities’ representatives. A new stage of public consultations will follow, during which the authorities will present the concept in detail and discuss the proposed changes.

„The stakes are greater than a new administrative structure. The stakes are stronger communities and an administration capable of developing them,” Alexei Buzu concluded.