The next stage of the decentralization reform in Moldova was discussed in Chisinau by the representatives of the local and central public authorities, development partners and experts during the International Conference “Decentralization: the path to modernization of the Republic of Moldova”.

During the conference, the results achieved in implementing the decentralization reform in the Republic of Moldova starting 2012 were analyzed, including various aspects like the institutional and legal framework, sectoral policies, fiscal decentralization and the territorial administrative reform.

„Solid partnerships and cooperation are essential for promoting the decentralization reform. While implementing the National Decentralization Strategy we come to the conclusion that such a complex reform like decentralization, that affects the central and all local public authorities, requires the broad support of civil society and development partners, as well as the support of line ministeries and local governments ”, said Sergiu Palihovici, the Secretary General of Government of Moldova.

Circa one third of mayors from the Republic of Moldova participated in debates with the representatives of central public authorities and presented the issues, needs and visions of local public authorities related to decentralization and local autonomy.

“It is obvious that decentralization and strengthening local autonomy are basic requirements for effective modernization and European integration of the Republic of Moldova. When the decision – making process and all resources of a country are controlled by several groups of people/institutions, and when the largest part of the population does not participate in the decision making process, corruption and inefficiency, poverty and injustice end up ruling that country” said Tatiana Badan, president of the Congress of Local Authorities in Moldova.

The development partners of the Republic of Moldova that implement projects in the field of decentralization have encouraged the Government of Moldova to undertake more specific actions that would ensure a better development of Moldova in general, and of the local communities in particular.

“The decentralization reform in the Republic of Moldova is imminent, particularly due to the fact that many rural localities are very small and local governments do not have sufficient human and financial resources to ensure quality local services for the citizens. The per capita administrative costs of such local governments are five times higher than compare to those of the cities. This affects mainly the vulnerable groups, but not only them. The Human Rights Based Approach, citizens ‘participation and transparency are the basic principles of the decentralization reform and they need to be further applied across sectors with joint efforts” declared Narine Sahakyan, the Deputy Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in the Republic of Moldova.

The exhibition “A modern locality: strong local governments, quality services, involved people” could be visited during the international conference. The main results achieved in applying local development tools, in the context of the decentralization reform implemented by the Moldovan Government with the support of the development partners, where presented at the exhibition. The mayors had the possibility to read and take relevant literature in this field.

The Joint Integrated Local Development Program applied in practice the National Decentralization Strategy (NDS) and its Action Plan for 2012-2015.  NDS was approved by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova in 2012 based on the principles of the European Chart of Local Self Governance approved by the Republic of Moldova on 16th of July, 1997. The main goal of the NDS is to strengthen the capacities of local public authorities, improve management and quality of public services provided to the citizens.

Note: The German Development Cooperation through GIZ by its ‘Modernization of Local Public Services in the Republic of Molodva’ Project is one of the organising partners of the event.