The Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (LDPM) warns that the way the Government and the parliamentary majority are implementing the process of voluntary amalgamation of localities undermines confidence in one of the most important reforms of the Republic of Moldova. The party calls for an immediate end to any pressure on local public authorities and for full respect of the principle of local autonomy, TRIBUNA reports.

“The reaction of the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM), statements made by several mayors, as well as information appearing in the public space regarding alleged pressure from PAS MPs and representatives of the State Chancellery, indicate that we are dealing with an improvised reform lacking a clear vision and concrete objectives. Instead of an open dialogue with citizens, PAS is resorting to financial coercion and administrative pressure.

LDPM notes that the voluntary amalgamation process is being carried out without an approved budget. The promises made to mayors are not backed by financial resources or legal guarantees, and the reform itself is based on political promises rather than decisions adopted by Parliament. During its four years in power, PAS has not presented a single study demonstrating the economic and social benefits of the reform. The Government has not explained what economic impact is expected, how public services will be improved, and has so far failed to publish a cost-benefit analysis,” the party said in a statement.

LDPM considers the explanations provided by the State Chancellery insufficient. Law No. 225/2023 and Government Decision No. 925/2023 regulate only the procedure for voluntary amalgamation but do not create the necessary foundation for carrying out the reform. According to the party, there is no national strategy, no model for the future administrative-territorial structure of the country, no impact studies, no objective reorganization criteria, no implementation timetable, and no approved financial resources.

LDPM claims that PAS is avoiding political responsibility for the reform and is shifting it onto local public authorities. The party says there are serious reasons to believe that the current process is being used to strengthen PAS’s political and electoral positions at the local level, while the lack of transparent criteria and reports from CALM and mayors regarding alleged pressure only reinforce these concerns.

LDPM has called on the General Prosecutor’s Office, the National Anticorruption Center, and other competent authorities to investigate reports of possible pressure on local public authorities.

The party also considers the position of the State Chancellery insufficient, namely that mayors should individually report each case of pressure.

“In a situation where CALM and numerous mayors publicly report such cases, state institutions must act on their own initiative. The current authorities are ignoring the constitutional principles of local autonomy and the commitments undertaken by the Republic of Moldova under the European Charter of Local Self-Government.

LDPM demands:

• an immediate end to all forms of political, administrative, and financial pressure on local public authorities;
• unconditional respect for the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova and the European Charter of Local Self-Government;
• suspension of any actions that could affect the voluntary nature of the amalgamation process until all circumstances surrounding the allegations are clarified;
• presentation of a national strategy for administrative-territorial reform, accompanied by impact studies, approved funding sources, and genuine consultations with local public authorities and citizens.

The reform of the administrative-territorial structure must be carried out openly, based on a clear strategy, broad public consensus, and strict compliance with the law. The Government must assume full political responsibility for implementing this reform and for its results,” the party concluded.