Government Secretary-General Alexei Buza urged local elected officials to use the time remaining until the end of July to make decisions in the best interests of their communities.
He noted that at this stage, localities can still decide independently whom to merge with and what development priorities to set. For its part, the government will support them with financial incentives.
Specifically, financial support of 3,000 lei per resident of the merged municipality is provided, resources for infrastructure projects, up to 1 million lei to prepare for the consolidation process, and annual support for the local budget for three years.
“These funds are available only during the voluntary consolidation phase. Therefore, the decision made now gives the community more opportunities to implement projects to modernize roads, water supply systems, kindergartens, schools, and other public services,” explained the Secretary General of the Government.
He clarified that the merger does not affect the identity of the settlement: its name and traditions will be preserved. Public service centers will operate in the settlements, and each community will have representation within the new administrative structure.
After July 31, consolidation will become mandatory for municipalities with a population of fewer than 3,000 people.
