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An effective administrative reorganization must be citizen-centered, based on transparency, local development, and partnership. |
10 essential aspects for a successful reorganization:
1. Reform or Reorganization? :: Rather a territorial-administrative reorganization; systemic changes are still missing
We cannot really speak of a proper reform in the classical sense, but rather of a structural territorial administrative reorganization because the essential elements (competences, fiscal instruments, inter-budgetary relations etc.) do not change significantly. We assume there are some plans in that regard too. But where are they?
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We cannot really speak of a proper reform in the classical sense, but rather of a structural territorial administrative reorganization because the essential elements (competences, fiscal instruments, inter-budgetary relations etc.) do not change significantly. We assume there are some plans in that regard too. But where are they?
2. Responsible Amalgamation :: Protect smaller communities and properly plan the post-amalgamation period
iRi supports the amalgamation idea. However, the reform/reorganizing needs to make sure that there is sound policy in place that ensures that the amalgamated communities will not be discriminated or marginalized by the bigger communities and than the post-amalgamation phase is well-planned.
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iRi supports the amalgamation idea. However, the reform/reorganizing needs to make sure that there is sound policy in place that ensures that the amalgamated communities will not be discriminated or marginalized by the bigger communities and than the post-amalgamation phase is well-planned.
3. Transparent Decision-Making :: Ensure genuine consultations and clear rules for selecting the host community
Many mayors/counsellors in iRi network keep complaining that the political element becomes too heavy to bear in the conditions when there is no sound policy around the manner in which the communities decide/negotiate around which community the amalgamation will happen. The current regulations have loopholes which open room for unnecessary interpretations when applying the law. To what extent the local counselors consulted the communities? How can this process be improved from now on?
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Many mayors/counsellors in iRi network keep complaining that the political element becomes too heavy to bear in the conditions when there is no sound policy around the manner in which the communities decide/negotiate around which community the amalgamation will happen. The current regulations have loopholes which open room for unnecessary interpretations when applying the law. To what extent the local counselors consulted the communities? How can this process be improved from now on?
4. Better Public Services :: Improve accessibility, digitalization and administrative efficiency
The decision on optimal territorial-administrative organization should result from a coherent decision on the services to be provided by the LPAs and the exact manner of provision (this is currently missing). If instead of ordering papers online (or getting advise or orientation) people will have to travel longer distances to the mayor halls or wait more in line (especially the elderly population), the new model will quickly disappoint. Also, if the amalgamated communities will spend more on administrative apparatus than before amalgamation – then a number of questions arise such as was it worth it?
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The decision on optimal territorial-administrative organization should result from a coherent decision on the services to be provided by the LPAs and the exact manner of provision (this is currently missing). If instead of ordering papers online (or getting advise or orientation) people will have to travel longer distances to the mayor halls or wait more in line (especially the elderly population), the new model will quickly disappoint. Also, if the amalgamated communities will spend more on administrative apparatus than before amalgamation – then a number of questions arise such as was it worth it?
5. A Well-Funded Transition :: Provide mobility, mobile service teams and secure financial resources
Support personnel in the post-amalgamation is to be identified to help those populations that are not educated to access on-line tools + ensure physical accessibility/mobility for those needing it. This should be included into the reorganizing plan in each community (means of transportation, routes, mobile teams, time schedules etc.) + ensure needed financial support as the law states (Law 100, 181 etc.) stating that no public policy is to be approved by Government without first measuring impact and indicating financial coverage. The 3000 lei per capita is an important support. However where is the cost-effectiveness impact calculation?
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Support personnel in the post-amalgamation is to be identified to help those populations that are not educated to access on-line tools + ensure physical accessibility/mobility for those needing it. This should be included into the reorganizing plan in each community (means of transportation, routes, mobile teams, time schedules etc.) + ensure needed financial support as the law states (Law 100, 181 etc.) stating that no public policy is to be approved by Government without first measuring impact and indicating financial coverage. The 3000 lei per capita is an important support. However where is the cost-effectiveness impact calculation?
6. Partnership with Civil Society :: Actively involve local CSOs in implementation and oversight
All reform efforts need to be done in close partnership local CSOs. Local civic groups need to be involved while local CSOs supported to better reach out and help the democratic exercise from within. Many local CSOs are too weak and need significant institutional support, including from Government + continuous mentoring from more experienced CSOs as they come to support what is evidently helping the democratic exercise.
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All reform efforts need to be done in close partnership local CSOs. Local civic groups need to be involved while local CSOs supported to better reach out and help the democratic exercise from within. Many local CSOs are too weak and need significant institutional support, including from Government + continuous mentoring from more experienced CSOs as they come to support what is evidently helping the democratic exercise.
7. Local Economic Development :: Invest in peripheral areas and strengthen local economies
New LPAs (both leadership and mid management) need more substantial skills in terms of local economic development while the state, in return, has to channel significant investment and resources to the peripheries. Without the growth of the local economic base and the continuation of the economic polarization around Chisinau (as it is now), no reorganization will help on the long run. Local communities will continue to remain poor, depend on Government economically. Opposition forces will take advantage, make the reorganizing extremely antipopular. A solid local development concept needs to be put in place.
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New LPAs (both leadership and mid management) need more substantial skills in terms of local economic development while the state, in return, has to channel significant investment and resources to the peripheries. Without the growth of the local economic base and the continuation of the economic polarization around Chisinau (as it is now), no reorganization will help on the long run. Local communities will continue to remain poor, depend on Government economically. Opposition forces will take advantage, make the reorganizing extremely antipopular. A solid local development concept needs to be put in place.
8. Effective Incentives :: Base incentives on cost-benefit analysis and clear funding rules
The support measures offered as incentives for those administrations (including 3k lei per capita) that agree to voluntarily amalgamate are cumbersome and bear multiple uncertainties. For example, The Government did not foresee the huge price for making the technical projects for the envisaged infrastructure or community support projects or how the amalgamated communities will decide on the spending the offered resources?
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The support measures offered as incentives for those administrations (including 3k lei per capita) that agree to voluntarily amalgamate are cumbersome and bear multiple uncertainties. For example, The Government did not foresee the huge price for making the technical projects for the envisaged infrastructure or community support projects or how the amalgamated communities will decide on the spending the offered resources?
9. Tailored Solutions :: Address ethnic, geographic and property-related issues through differentiated approaches
Apart from mainstream reorganizing, special cases should be treated separately in a sensitive way (ethnic, linguistic, religious, geographic considerations need to be examined). Some mayors voiced serious issues with property titles and other complication that require significant support before amalgamation and after. The bigger municipalities will inevitably come into conflict with the district authorities. The leaders of the larger communes will quickly turn into an influential group of political players. Is the central government ready for this?
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Apart from mainstream reorganizing, special cases should be treated separately in a sensitive way (ethnic, linguistic, religious, geographic considerations need to be examined). Some mayors voiced serious issues with property titles and other complication that require significant support before amalgamation and after. The bigger municipalities will inevitably come into conflict with the district authorities. The leaders of the larger communes will quickly turn into an influential group of political players. Is the central government ready for this?
10. Beyond Amalgamation :: Develop a strategy for integration, governance and conflict management
Need for a dialogue and policy on post-amalgamation period. What will happen next? Do we imagine it? How are some inevitable integration issues/conflicts among the newly established administrative units be tackled? How will do it? How?
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Need for a dialogue and policy on post-amalgamation period. What will happen next? Do we imagine it? How are some inevitable integration issues/conflicts among the newly established administrative units be tackled? How will do it? How?