Administrative-territorial reform must strengthen local self-government, not centralise power!
The Civic Movement “Construim Încredere” (“Building Trust”) has examined the draft administrative-territorial reform, which proposes reducing the number of mayoralties to 273 and replacing the 32 districts with three regions, starting with the 2027 local elections.
We support the need for reform, but believe it cannot be implemented without genuine consultation with local communities, clearly defined responsibilities and guaranteed financial resources.
In its current form, the draft raises several serious concerns:
- The regions would be established without clearly defined powers;
- Responsibilities for education and social assistance are being transferred to central government structures rather than local authorities;
- Local communities lack sufficient guarantees regarding public consultation and access to public services;
- There are no calculations of the reform’s costs, expected savings or impact on local public administration;
- Questions remain regarding the draft’s compatibility with the Constitution.
We call on the Government to withdraw the draft in its current form and present a comprehensive reform package covering territorial organisation, responsibilities, financing and electoral amendments, accompanied by an impact assessment and public consultations lasting at least 30 days.
We also call on Parliament not to adopt the draft without clear guarantees protecting local self-government and the rights of local communities.
The Civic Movement “Construim Încredere” will submit a consolidated opinion to the State Chancellery and address the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, requesting an examination of the reform.
The reform must bring decision-making and resources closer to citizens, rather than concentrating them at the central level.
Trust is built through dialogue, transparency and respect for local self-government.
Civic Movement “Construim Încredere”