Leova municipality’s amalgamation raises local administration costs

The amalgamation of the city of Leova with neighboring localities in Moldova has not led to reduced public‑administration expenses. According to Mayor Alexandru Bujorean, costs have risen, especially salaries, because the authorities kept almost all employees from the former town halls and appointed the former mayors of the merged settlements as vice‑mayors.

Bujorean said the first stage of the reform focuses on continuity of services rather than financial optimisation, stating, “At the first stage we must not pursue financial optimisations. Moreover, expenses actually increase, including salaries, because after amalgamating four or more localities certain salary incentives are allowed.” Unified service centres were retained in each locality so residents do not need to travel to Leova for administrative matters. The mayor also noted that the municipality secured up to 5 million lei from national funds for local road repairs and that councils and administrations will operate in the current format until the 2027 local elections, after which the new administrative structure will be fully implemented.