The Government of the Republic of Moldova, the Congress of Local Authorities and development partners organized today the national Conference « The role of local government in ensuring decentralization, modernization and European integration of the Republic of Moldova ». The goal of the event was to strengthen communication between the Government and local authorities on development priorities of the country.
“You are those on whose effort and involvement our communities’ welfare and wellbeing of citizens depends on – and this is your strength. You have the power to make people’s lives better, and the Government will provide all the necessary support for you to succeed”, declared Prime Minister, Iurie Leanca in front of about 700 mayors and presidents of rayons across the country, participating in the conference.
“The most important objective of this conference is to listen to you. This does not mean that we do not know the problems of the communities of the republic, but we need to discuss them at the level of perceptions and solutions. I want to tell you that my departures in the territory, meetings with citizens are not done for a simple check of activities – their goal is to discuss the existing problems” mentioned Iurie Leanca.
The Prime Minister talked regarding local, rural and regional development, which in recent years has received increased attention. “Only by Europeanization and modernization we can provide real local Governance” said Iurie Leanca. In this context, the Prime Minister reminded about external assistance, of which the Republic of Moldova is a beneficiary in the last four years, for the development of several sectors.
Iurie Leanca asked elected officials to ensure quality in projects’ implementation: “You have the chance to show the community that it is possible to make beautiful things. Maybe it is not a road, but improving a segment, but, at least, let us make sure that the invested resources will not disappear after the first rain”.
In turn, Deputy Secretary General of the Government, Sergiu Palihovici proposed creating a platform for direct dialogue with representatives of local public administration authorities for levels I and II, which will meet quarterly. “This permanent forum will allow us to know for achievements and innovative spirit of mayors in the provision of local services, and will address the need to improve communication with colleagues, and dialogue with citizens”, said Sergiu Palihovici .
The conference was attended by the Head of EU Delegation in Chisinau, Pirkka Tapiola, who declared that the dialogue with local authorities is one of the most important in modern society. “During the transition to a genuine democracy, the role of local authorities is crucial. The local public authority must be strengthened. In fact, today, mature companies do not want to be governed, but also directly participate in the governing of their communities”, said Pirkka Tapiola.
Subsequently, the microphone was given to the representatives of LPAs. The mayors and presidents of rayon talked about the achievements in locality they run, the problems faced, and came up with ideas to solve them.
Within the Conference, it was organized an exhibition of development programs and external assistance projects, performing activities locally.
