Socialist Party leader Igor Dodon says Moldova’s planned administrative reform, which would replace the country’s current districts with three larger regions, conflicts with the Constitution.
Speaking to the press, Dodon argued that the Constitution does not explicitly use the term “region.” At the same time, he said he considers administrative reform necessary but does not support the model proposed by the government.
Dodon said his party would instead seek to strengthen the role and powers of local authorities.
“What we propose are centres, pillars, regional growth poles — district centres and municipal centres. If a sustainable reform was wanted, a consensus formula should have been adopted. We would have taken part in such discussions. We cannot support the formula that is being proposed,” Dodon said.
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu responded by suggesting that Dodon challenge the legislation at the Constitutional Court if he considers it unconstitutional.
“There are three levels of representation — central, second level and first level. We are not changing anything, although I may have a personal opinion regarding the second level. The second level will be represented by seven administrative-territorial units, as well as the first level. It would be good for this politician to read from time to time, if he has made a mistake or forgotten something,” Grosu said.
On October 1, Vasile Tofan and Alexei Buzu announced plans to reorganize Moldova’s districts into three regions — North, Centre and South. The reform would not apply to the municipalities of Chisinau and Balti, the Taraclia district or the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia.
Article 110 of Moldova’s Constitution currently states that the country’s territory is organized into villages, towns, districts and the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia.