[REVISION HISTORY]

Moldova municipal amalgamation reform

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-04 17:42 UTC → 2026-09-20 08:25 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late July 2026, the Moldovan government reported that approximately 85% of the 892 localities had voted to merge, with 400 communes adopting final decisions. The reform aims to reduce the 33 districts to fewer than ten, ensuring each remaining commune has at least 3,000 residents following the 2027 local elections, supported by €150 per resident and dedicated funds. By early August, President Maia Sandu urged the remaining 200 municipalities to complete the voluntary process by month-end, warning that those refusing would be merged by law without incentives. On 14 August, Secretary-General Alexei Buzu defended the timeline, stating the Law on Voluntary Amalgamation was adopted in 2023 and that the August deadline is necessary to prepare a legislative package for an autumn vote. Resistance intensified by late August. The Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM) issued an official appeal and legal analysis criticizing the central government’s approach. CALM representatives alleged the process has shifted from voluntary amalgamation to a “semi-forced” mechanism, claiming local authorities are being pressured through threats to withhold public funding. The organization argued these actions violate the European Charter of Local Self-Government and noted a lack of genuine public consultation. On 4 September, CALM called for a halt to the process, citing a transition toward “normative amalgamation.” Executive Director Viorel Furdui stated that this term lacks a basis in national legislation and criticized the central authorities for rushing the reform. CALM argued the voluntary stage should have lasted until 2026 and requested the cancellation of recent consultation minutes, asserting that decisions to abolish localities must be made by Parliament following proper citizen consultation. On 19 September, CALM issued a negative advisory regarding a government draft intended to amend the methodology for voluntary amalgamation (HG no. 925/2023).

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