Moldova initiates administrative-territorial reform

The Moldovan government has initiated the drafting of a new law regarding administrative-territorial organization. This reform aims to replace existing legislation from 1996 and 2001, establishing an updated framework for the formation, reorganization, and dissolution of administrative units, as well as the modification of borders and administrative centers.

A key component of the plan involves a significant reduction in the number of town halls, potentially decreasing from approximately 900 to 292 by the 2027 local elections. The current district system is expected to be replaced by a smaller number of larger administrative units, similar to the county model.

Health Minister Alexandru Gasnaș noted that this territorial reform will necessitate a reorganization of medical services. The proposed healthcare strategy focuses on concentrating acute services in regional excellence hubs where infrastructure and medical personnel are sufficient. This shift aims to optimize resource allocation and improve patient pathways, with discussions regarding public and private sector partnerships expected to continue through mid-July.