The Education Code was also amended to allow Viorel Bostan to apply for a third consecutive mandate as rector of TUM, which was previously prohibited by law.
Why was this done?
The authorities state that the reform is aimed at eliminating gaps in the legislation, giving universities a clear legal status, increasing administrative and financial autonomy, and more efficient use of public funds. Consequently, the reason for the reorganization is “low efficiency of individual universities against the background of demographic decline, outflow of young people and the need to introduce new teaching methods”.
The initiative aroused criticism: opponents believe that KSU’s accession to TUM and the changes in the Code open the way to the third mandate of the rector. These fears were confirmed on February 4, when the government adopted a draft, according to which the rector of a higher education institution, which is reorganized by joining another one, can serve three consecutive terms. The document is yet to be considered in parliament.
The authorities consider the decision necessary
Politicians and public figures from Moldova and Romania spoke in defense of Cahul University.
The authorities note that integration will allow to attract additional resources, invest in infrastructure, open new faculties and improve the quality of education. The project envisages the creation of a University Center in Cahul and annual funding of at least 10 million lei for four years. Physically, the center will be located in Cahul.
“Our main goal with this decision is to guarantee that in the next 5-10-20 years there will be a strong university center that will be able to meet the needs of the region and continue to be a hotbed of intellectual activity in the south of Moldova,” Education and Research Minister Dan Perciun said.
The minister promised that “in a year’s time, we will be convinced that this was the most correct decision”.
For his part, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said that this decision “is not simple, but it is necessary to ensure a qualitative and professional process”.
KSU students will be transferred to TUM under the same conditions; no tuition fees will be charged for the 2026-2027 academic year. Faculty and administrative staff will transfer to TUM by September 1, 2026, with their salaries and professional rights intact.
