Moldova pushes local government mergers ahead of 2027
Moldovan Government Secretary-General Alexei Buzu has defended the timeline for the country's voluntary municipal merger reform, rejecting criticism from local authorities over tight deadlines and insufficient consultations.
Speaking in an interview with public broadcaster Moldova 1, Buzu emphasized that local officials have known about the roadmap since the legislation was passed in 2023.
Legislative timeline
The government requires municipalities to finalize their merger decisions by the end of August to prepare a comprehensive administrative framework for a parliamentary vote in autumn 2026.
Buzu noted that because the majority of local councils have already completed the procedures, remaining municipalities have no justification for further delays. Towns and villages that meet the August deadline will then transition to designing local development projects.
Political allegations dismissed
Addressing allegations from opposition figures and the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM) regarding potential political pressure on non-ruling party mayors, Buzu firmly denied state interference.
He stated that political configurations will be decided strictly by voters during the 2027 local elections, noting that several current merger initiatives involve coalitions of local leaders from up to four different political parties.
Public service access
To reassure residents in villages losing standalone municipal status, Buzu explained that local administrative presence will be preserved through designated mayoral envoys and Unified Public Service Centers (CUPS).
He stressed that ongoing public service digitization ensures citizens can access administrative support locally without traveling long distances, allowing restructured local councils to focus primary resources on regional infrastructure and economic development.
CALM concerns
CALM Executive Director Viorel Furdui previously warned that shifting the voluntary deadline to August 31 lacks clear legal grounds and creates undue pressure on local authorities.
The association maintains that the reform requires broader consultation with independent experts and clearer guarantees regarding promised financial incentives.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
