Decentralization effects must be felt by people, Prime Minister

“We must ensure that decentralization is carried out rapidly, fairly and with effects that people will feel”, said Prime Minister Vlad Filat at the opening of international conference “Decentralization Reform: from Strategy to Action”, which took place on Tuesday in Chisinau, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the Prime Minister, during two years and through an ample participative process, the concept of this reform was approved and the platforms of discussion and cooperation between local and central authorities were created. Currently, a series of documents are being developed to regulate the transfer of functions in each sector. They will be approved by the end of the year. Swedish Ambassador to Moldova Ingrid Tersman is confident that the decentralization started in Moldova will lead to the desired effects because the approach to it is based on human rights and gender equality. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative to Moldova, said that it is important that all people, including those in socially vulnerable groups, benefited from these reforms. The UN agencies are ready to continue to provide support to Moldova, especially to local public authorities, for whom the decentralization brings more opportunities, but more challenges as well. Tatiana Badan, head of the Congress of Local Public Authorities, said that the improvement of the quality of people’s living conditions in districts will be the main result of decentralization. The conference presented the results of 100 projects for strengthening local administration and testing decentralization policies implemented in Moldova, including 30 towns and villages from the left bank of the Nistru. The projects were funded by various donors under the UNDP umbrella. The conference was organized by the Moldovan Government, with the support of UNDP, UN Women, UNICEF, the Swedish Embassy, the Council of Europe and Soros Moldova Foundation. The event brought together 140 representatives of local and central authorities, of civil society and development partners, as well as national and international experts.