The provision of the status of municipality to a number of towns was the subject of the hearings held by the Parliament’s commission on public administration, regional development, environment and climate change on March 11. The hearings involved a number of mayors, IPN reports.
The commission’s head Elena Bodnarenco said the bill to amend the Law on the Territorial-Administrative Reform, which was passed in the first reading, envisions that the towns Cahul, Orhei, Ungheni, and Soroca will get the status of municipality.
The commission’s deputy head Iurie Tap said the granting of the status of municipality to these towns will allow them to increase the local budget revenues. As a result, possibilities will appear for developing the local infrastructure.
Deputy Minister of Regional Development Alexandru Botnari, who had served as mayor of Hancesti town for over ten years, said compared with the demographic factor, the economic potential plays a more important role in selecting the towns that are to become municipalities.
According to the mayor of Orhei Vitalie Colun, the proposed bill will not have the projected impact as it only changes the name from town into municipality, but institutes no powers. It is important for the settlements located on the outskirts to be allowed to decide themselves if they want to form part of the municipality or not.
Deputy mayor of Edinet Rodelia Vasilcova said it’s no use changing only the name as the towns must get broader powers and possibilities in the administration process and be supported financially when they become municipalities.
