Government presents restructuring proposal
The Moldovan government has presented a new administrative-territorial reform plan, outlining changes to local governance structures.
Government Secretary Alexei Buzu said the reform is aimed at improving administrative efficiency and aligning the country with requirements that could facilitate access to European Union funds after 2028.
He acknowledged that the process could involve short-term challenges, urging the public to focus on long-term benefits.
Key elements of the reform
According to the proposed concept:
-
the number of districts would be reduced from 32 to 10
-
local administrations would be required to serve at least 3,000 residents
-
local elections under the new system could take place in 2027
Officials said further details, including final administrative boundaries and the total number of municipalities, are still being developed.
Timeline and implementation concerns
Buzu said the government intends to move quickly with the reform, citing the need to meet timelines linked to potential EU funding opportunities.
He noted that Moldova does not have the time to fully replicate reform experiences from other regions and must proceed at an accelerated pace.
Broader discussion
The proposal has prompted debate about the potential impact of administrative restructuring on local communities and economic development.
Some observers argue that structural reforms alone may not address broader challenges such as emigration, business conditions and governance issues.
The government has not yet provided detailed cost estimates for implementing the reform.
