Local public administration reform consulted with Moldovan parliamentary factions

Consultations on local public administration reform continued on the parliamentary platform this week. Discussions with parliamentary factions focused on the need of the reform, the main intervention directions and the next steps for shaping a common vision on modernizing local public administration in Moldova.

Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu emphasized the importance of political and institutional dialogue in this process: “We want to build a consensus. It is important to listen to everyone’s opinions and to speak openly about the solutions proposed. The reform of local public administration is a national effort that concerns us all,” said Alexei Buzu.

During the meetings, representatives of the parliamentary factions stressed that the local public administration reform was necessary and long-awaited, being essential for improving the quality of public services and for the development of local communities. At the same time, they expressed openness to continue consultations on the reform concept after its presentation, so that the proposed solutions can benefit from as broad support as possible.

The participants in the discussions reiterated that the reform targeted not only the administrative-territorial component. The objective is to create stronger mayoralties (municipal offices), with enhanced capacity to deliver quality public services, attract investments and contribute actively to local development.

Another topic addressed concerned the process of amalgamating administrative and territorial units, which will continue to be stimulated through voluntary amalgamation, but will also include mechanisms of normative amalgamation for localities that do not meet a minimum population threshold. The government’s secretary general underlined that villages would remain, and the changes will concern only the administrative component, so that citizens will not have to travel longer distances to benefit from public services.

The participants also addressed issues related to the digitalization of local public administration, the expansion of the network of Unified Service Delivery Centers, and the implementation of the one-stop shop as a standard in all mayoralties. Another important element is investment in the professional training of local elected officials and civil servants, in order to ensure skills adapted to new realities and requirements.

The authorities reiterated their commitment to a transparent and participatory process, open to all opinions, including critical ones, with the aim of ensuring a reform that truly meets the needs of citizens and local communities. Next week, consultations will continue with extra-parliamentary parties and local elected officials from all over the country, in order to ensure the widest possible participation in finalizing the reform concept.