The local public authorities of the first and second levels and those of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia will be empowered to take decisions regarding the building of monuments on owned land. However, the decisions can only be taken after the Ministry of Culture formulates a positive opinion. The Cabinet approved a number of amendments to the Law on Public Forum Monuments, IPN reports.

Until now, the establishment of a monument at the local level required the approval of the Government. The granting of the national protection status will remain within the Parliament’s competence.

The draft law also stipulates that the Government will be able to initiate the procedure for abolishing the public forum monument with local status if it contravenes public order or good morals.