Over 400 local councils adopted final decisions on voluntary amalgamation in Moldova

Over 400 local councils have adopted, so far, final decisions on voluntary amalgamation, while another approximately 200 are in the final stages of the process. The Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu unveiled data to this effect at a news conference today.

The head of the State Chancellery noted that the amalgamation process had been launched, in order to strengthen the capacity of local councils to provide better public services and attract investment in local infrastructure. At present, over 87 per cent of the local councils of Moldova serve fewer than 3,000 inhabitants. Eight out of ten families without access to water or sanitation live in localities administered by these councils. In these communities, the population has decreased by one third—twice as fast as the national average—while the own revenues of local administrations are declining.

“Only through strong local councils can we ensure quality public services, modern infrastructure and real investments in local development. The government has opted first and foremost for voluntary amalgamation, because locally elected officials know best the development priorities and the needs of citizens in their communities. We are carrying out this reform for people and for our communities,” said Alexei Buzu.

According to the data presented, out of 890 local councils, excluding the municipalities of Chisinau and Balti, 761, or 85.5 per cent, have adopted decisions to initiate voluntary amalgamation. By July 31, approximately 400 local councils had adopted final decisions. Another approximately 200 have conducted public consultations, prepared most of the documentation and are to submit the decisions for a vote in local councils. They will be able to finalize the process by the end of August.

In the case of approximately 161 local councils, the process stopped after the adoption of the initiation decision due to unfinished negotiations or other difficulties. The government will continue to provide legal and technical assistance to these local authorities. At the same time, approximately 60 local councils have refused to participate in the voluntary process, and for them, the next stage will be normative (mandatory) amalgamation.

The process required extensive mobilization at the local level. Over 2,000 meetings of joint working groups were organized, more than 88,000 direct interactions with citizens took place, and over 75,000 questionnaires were carried out to identify community problems and priorities.

The State Chancellery team made more than 2,000 field visits and held direct discussions with over 5,000 mayors, local councillors, working group members, and citizens.

The priorities identified by citizens will underlie the use of the Amalgamation Fund. Resources will be directed to expanding water, sewage, gas and street lighting networks; rehabilitating local roads; developing public transport and digital services; waste management; modernizing kindergartens and cultural centers; as well as local economic development projects.

Local authorities still involved in the process are encouraged to finalize their documents and adopt the necessary decisions by the end of August, in order to benefit from voluntary amalgamation status and the full package of incentives.

The goal of the reform is for every citizen, regardless of the locality in which they live, to have access to better roads, water, street lighting and quality public services.