Moldova advances administrative reform through local authority amalgamation

Moldova is undergoing an administrative-territorial reform focused on the amalgamation of local authorities. In the Hâncești district, 30 out of 39 town halls have opted for voluntary amalgamation, while the government is proposing administrative reorganization for the remaining localities where agreements were not reached.

Local reactions to the reform are mixed. Some residents view the changes as an opportunity for improved services, while others express concern regarding increased travel distances to resolve administrative issues. In Buțeni, the mayor reported that the merger process only progressed with Fundul Galbenei after discussions with other neighboring localities failed.

In the Anenii Noi district, Veaceslav Plămădeală, mayor of Puhăceni, has called for caution and community involvement, emphasizing that the success of amalgamation depends on local consensus and shared objectives rather than being imposed. The Congress of Local Authorities in Moldova (CALM) has also been actively engaged in strategic planning and discussions regarding the reform, stressing that development must be based on dialogue and respect for the specific characteristics of each locality.