The Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM) has reviewed the draft amendments to the legal framework on the voluntary amalgamation of administrative‑territorial units and announced that it does not support the draft in its current form, TRIBUNA reports.

According to CALM, the current version of the draft raises concerns regarding compliance with the principles of local democracy, community autonomy, and proper citizen consultation, making a substantial revision of several provisions necessary.

The organization argues that the draft reflects a unilateral approach to a complex process such as the merger of local administrative units. It emphasizes elements that may pose risks to local democracy and to the fundamental interests of communities, regardless of their size. CALM notes that the draft does not address key issues related to strengthening local public administration and therefore requires significant revision, including the creation of a dedicated working group.

“The amendments to the Amalgamation Law are superficial, lack sustainable incentives, ignore the will of residents expressed through referendums, and pursue goals other than the consolidation of communities,” CALM stresses.