Cantemir mayor calls for transition period in Moldova's local reform

Mayor of Cantemir: a transition period is needed to ensure the reform does not affect public services

Processes such as public procurement, staff recruitment or the reorganisation of municipal enterprises take time. Without clear mechanisms for the transition from the old local administrations to the newly established ones, there is a risk of deadlock. A transition period is therefore necessary to ensure that local government reform does not disrupt public services

Roman Ciubaciuc

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This is highlighted by Roman Ciubaciuc, mayor of Cantemir. He asserts that many questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the continuity of essential public services.

According to the mayor, the greatest uncertainty centres on the specific mechanisms by which state institutions, contracts and staff will be managed during the transition period from one mayor to another.

How the transition will be organised

“Nurseries, schools and public services must operate without interruption. We cannot halt these activities for even a single day. It is therefore very important to understand who will take on these responsibilities immediately after the reorganisation, and how,” says Roman Ciubaciuc.

In his view, the implementation of the reform should take a longer period. “I think we should have started preparations at least a year earlier. More consultations, more discussions and, perhaps, even a phased implementation were needed,” says the mayor.

Another aspect highlighted by the mayor of Cantemir is the significant difference between the administrative-territorial units subject to reorganisation. According to him, there are considerable disparities between settlements in terms of population size and administrative capacity, and these differences must be taken into account during the reform process.

Speaking about the development of the town of Cantemir, he notes that the projects currently underway will continue after the forthcoming local elections. Some investments are nearing completion, whilst others are only just beginning. “Projects do not end when the mayor leaves office. They must be completed regardless of administrative or political changes,” he emphasises.

At the same time, Roman Ciubaciuc believes that one of the biggest problems facing local government is no longer a lack of financial resources, but a shortage of skilled staff.

“Today, the biggest problem is the shortage of people. There are jobs available, but recruiting and retaining qualified staff is becoming an increasingly difficult task for local authorities,” he concluded.

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