Local public administration reform discussed on platform of Committee for Public Administration and Regional Development

Consultations on the local public administration reform continue in an extended format through meetings with all stakeholders. Today in Parliament, the vision of the reform was discussed on the platform of the Committee for Public Administration and Regional Development.

Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu spoke about the three priority objectives of the reform – efficient resizing of the territorial-administrative structure; strengthening the capacities of local public authorities; bringing the decision-making process closer to citizens.

“The reform is a national one, we all assume it for the benefit of citizens. Town halls must move from being providers of administrative services to being providers of local development services. This means that in town halls we need more people with skills related to project implementation, which can have quite sophisticated requirements,” said Alexei Buzu.

Among the main directions of the local public administration reform discussed at the meeting are strengthening the financial capacity of town halls, including increasing the share of own revenues, reducing bureaucracy and digitizing local public services, transforming District Councils, and stimulating inter-municipal cooperation.

The members of the Committee for Public Administration and Regional Development emphasized the importance of a reform carried out in permanent dialogue with local public authorities and with citizens, so that the proposed solutions meet the real needs of communities. At the same time, they expressed their support for promoting at local level the provisions and benefits of the reform and their commitment to ensuring the necessary legislative framework for effective implementation.

“Citizens expect reforms that will ensure them a better standard of living and access to quality public services. That is why our task is to work together and collaborate in order to implement this reform. We are ready to help with everything that is necessary,” said Liliana Iaconi, Chair of the Committee for Public Administration and Regional Development.

The stimulation of the voluntary amalgamation process was also discussed: “We will offer more flexibility, and the State Chancellery will provide even more support. We are working together with the Public Services Agency and the State Enterprise Cadastru; we want to align the aspect related to the fiscal capacity and financial independence of local public authorities, and the Voluntary Amalgamation Fund will increase,” added Alexei Buzu.

This week, the reform is to be consulted with all parliamentary factions, and next week with non-parliamentary ones. The consultation schedule:

Monday, February 2:

- 11:00 – consultations with the parliamentary faction Democracy at Home; - 13:00 – consultations with Our Party parliamentary faction.

Tuesday, February 3:

- 14:00 – consultations with National Alternative Movement Party faction.

Wednesday, February 4:

- 14:00 – consultations with the Action and Solidarity Party faction.

Friday, February 6:

- 13:00 – consultations with the Communist Party faction;

- (confirmation pending) 15:30 – consultations with the Socialist Party faction.

After extensive consultations, the reform concept will be presented in March. During the spring, there will be broad discussions with citizens and, subsequently, the legislative package will be drafted to be submitted to Parliament in the autumn.