The training session “Mayors for transparent budgets”, organized by the Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) within the project “Citizens ACT: Improving participatory governance and transparency at local level”, addressed to local public authorities (LPAs) from 5 rural communities, took place on November 19, 2024 in Chisinau.
The event brought together 5 mayors and 5 local facilitators from 5 partner communities with the aim of promoting transparency in the process of developing and implementing local budgets.
The session was opened with a welcoming speech by Guillermo Llinás, Country Director of People in Need Moldova (PIN), who emphasized the importance of promoting transparent governance and citizens’ involvement in the budget process:
“The budget transparency and active involvement of citizens are essential for responsible governance and sustainable development of rural communities in the Republic of Moldova.”
The session covered relevant topics such as the presentation of the concept and objectives of the “Citizens ACT” project, as well as the commitments made by the parties involved. We also discussed the tools used to present a budget in a citizen-friendly way and the benefits for mayors and communities to adopt a transparent budget.
The session also aimed to motivate local public authorities to adopt a higher degree of transparency and to encourage the active involvement of local citizens in budget formation. Participants thus acquired essential skills and knowledge to improve the relationship between local governments and citizens.
“A transparent budget not only brings trust to citizens, but also contributes to better planning and use of resources. The active participation of citizens in the budget process is an important step in developing a strong and well-informed community.” – Tatiana Cosuleanu, iRi executive director.
Following the training, 10 representatives from the 5 communities were equipped with essential skills to facilitate better communication with citizens and promote transparency in the management of public money. In addition, two mayors from other iRi partner communities were invited to participate and share their experiences, inspiring the other communities involved.
“By building a close link between the LPA and the citizens it helped us to better understand the needs of citizens and to build a friendlier community.” – Constantin Cecoi, Mayor of Carbuna, Ialoveni district.
Back in their home communities, participants will form working groups to be trained in the process of participating in the public hearings on the 2025 budget consultation.
For more pictures from the event, please, click the link here.
The activity is part of the project “Citizens ACT: Improving participatory governance and transparency at local level”, implemented by the Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) in partnership with People in Need Moldova (PIN) with the financial support of the European Union.