Extra‑parliamentary parties were invited to the Government for discussions as part of the process of developing the concept for the local public administration reform. During the meeting, officials presented the stages of the reform, the impact of certain decisions on localities, and ways to improve local public services, TRIBUNA reports.

Deputy Secretary General of the Government, Alexandru Iacub, emphasized that the transformation of first‑ and second‑level local public administration is structured around three pillars. The first objective is administrative‑territorial reorganization, by applying a more efficient structure for local public authorities and focusing on the fair distribution of public resources. The second objective concerns improving LPA management by strengthening teams’ capacity to design and implement major projects. In addition, a new model of local governance will be introduced, with a strong emphasis on citizens’ voices and more active involvement in decision‑making processes.

“We are all aware that this reform is necessary. We are firmly convinced that, as a result of the reform, there will be more money for development and less money spent on bureaucracy, by reducing paper‑based processes, digitizing services, and building new capacities for attracting investment,” said Alexandru Iacub.

The meeting also addressed the stimulation of voluntary amalgamation as an effective solution to strengthen communities. Currently, more than 400 municipalities are at various stages of voluntary amalgamation or have announced their intention to begin the process. Other topics included increasing the financial capacity of municipalities, the role of district councils in the new structure, the opening of Unified Public Service Centers, and the expansion of available services.

According to the State Chancellery, most extra‑parliamentary parties expressed support for the reform, while also noting potential risks. Party representatives stressed the importance of dialogue and avoiding the politicization of the local public administration reform. More detailed discussions will take place once the reform concept is presented, planned for March of this year.