Moldova local authorities accuse government of forced administrative mergers

The Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM) has issued an official appeal and legal analysis criticizing the central government's approach to the administrative-territorial amalgamation process. The organization alleges that the reform of the administrative map is being conducted through unilateral notifications and pressure on local officials.

CALM representatives claim that the process has shifted from voluntary amalgamation to a semi-forced mechanism. Experts from the organization state that local authorities are being pressured to merge by threatening to withhold public funding, a move they argue violates the European Charter of Local Self-Government. Concerns were also raised regarding the lack of genuine public consultation and the risk of merging viable localities with depopulated areas lacking sufficient infrastructure and revenue.

In response, government spokespersons have rejected accusations of arbitrary reorganization, stating that the process is transparent and that the final decision-making authority rests with Parliament.