Twenty years after the ratification by Moldova of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, the villages and towns of the country are underdeveloped, do not provide jobs and do not have appropriate infrastructure, Liberal-Democratic MP Iurie Tap stated in a news conference, IPN reports.
Iurie Tap invoked a recent study carried out by the Institute for Development and Social Initiative “Viitorul”. This ascertained that Moldova is close to the second wave of mass exodus of the population. According to the MP, 94% of the mayor’s offices in Moldova are unable to ensure the provision of services for which they are responsible and are fully dependent on the central power. 85% of the local authorities have at most six employees. “How can a mayor, a local council ensure the services expected by the people without having the necessary staff?” asked rhetorically Iurie Tap.
According to him, the revenues of the local authorities, which were to increase according to the public administration reform strategy, actually declined. This way the rights of the local authorities were limited and the local elected officials are being corrupted. “The 2017 budget included 100 million lei for the local authorities that are obedient to the government. Another 100 million lei was allocated when the budget was amended. The state budget for 2018 contains another over 100 million lei for these authorities,” stated the MP.
Iurie Tap noted that a series of legal acts that limit the independence of the local authorities were adopted. The mayors were entrusted with tasks without being allotted the necessary financial resources so that they went to ask money and could be co-opted into the PDM. The financial dependence subdues the local authorities, which, after they become obedient, will be used as administrative resources in the future parliamentary elections.
The MP also said that the Liberal Democratic Party (PLDM) calls on the communities and mayors to realize the responsibility they have and to oppose the dictatorship of the government, which suppresses local self-government and democracy. These are urged to show character and dignity so as to ensure the people’s sovereignty.
