Moldova will be reorganized into three administrative regions — North, Centre and South — under a planned administrative reform, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced at a press conference.
The prime minister said the reform will not affect the municipalities of Chisinau and Balti. Taraclia is also expected to receive municipality status, while the autonomous region of Gagauzia will not be included in the reform.
“If I were to reduce the essence of the reform to a single sentence, it is, first and foremost, about building stronger mayors’ offices. Local power must be as close to people as possible, in their local communities. The mayor and their team know best whether a locality needs water, roads, a kindergarten or public transport, and how to deliver these services,” Vasile Tofan said.
Government Secretary-General Alexei Buzu provided further details on the proposed structure.
The Northern Region will include 11 districts and will have its administrative headquarters in Balti.
The Central Region will comprise 13 districts, with its administrative headquarters in Chisinau.
The Southern Region will include seven districts and will be headquartered in Cahul.
According to the government, the reform is intended to strengthen local authorities and improve the delivery of public services to residents.