Moldova signals major administrative consolidation: From voluntary to mandatory mergers
The Government of Moldova is set to significantly reduce the number of administrative districts (raions) as part of a deep structural overhaul. Government Secretary General Alexei Buzu announced that the reform aims to consolidate local capacities and accelerate regional development.
Currently, 320 town halls are engaged in voluntary amalgamation. This process is viewed by the executive as the primary tool for strengthening local authorities and preparing the nation for more complex development projects.
Focus on regional development
The reform will shift the role of the remaining districts toward regional growth and European fund management. Alexei Buzu emphasized that the current structure, consisting of 32 districts, is too fragmented and bureaucratic.
"The number of districts and district councils will decrease significantly," Buzu stated. "Their mandate must be redirected toward regional support and the implementation of large-scale projects, including those backed by EU funding."
Strategic financial incentives
To facilitate this transition, the government has allocated 173 million MDL (approx. €8.82 million) in the 2026 budget. This represents a 100% increase compared to the previous year's funding for local mergers.
The executive is also drafting legislation to simplify the merger process. New measures include financial incentives and the elimination of the requirement for snap local elections, allowing current officials to complete their mandates until 2027.
Transition to mandatory mergers
While the current phase remains voluntary, the government plans to introduce "normative amalgamation" for depopulated areas. Localities that fall below a specific population threshold will be required to merge by the 2027 electoral cycle.
To address concerns regarding public service access, the government will expand Unified Service Centers. These hubs will increase their offering from 120 to 600 public services by the end of the year, including social insurance, land registry, and civil services.
With a population of 2.4 million, Moldova remains one of Europe’s most administratively fragmented countries. The transition to a new territorial structure is expected to be finalized ahead of the 2027 local elections.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
