The local public authorities warn about the less efficient dialogue with the central public authorities despite the achieved results and the existence of shortcomings in implementing national strategies and international commitments in the field of local democracy. The subjects were discussed at a regional conference held in Chisinau on December 18. This was staged by the pan-European organization “Platform – Eastern Neighborhood Partnership” and the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM), IPN reports.
Anders Knape, executive president of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, said the Platform is a European network of regional and local authorities and of active associations, including the CEMR. The Platform reflects the diversity of local, regional governments in Europe and all over the world, centering on two pillars – experience and strengthening of capacities. “The European neighborhood program strengths the capacities of the local and regional governments, associations in doing decentralization reforms, ensuring more efficient development solutions, an exchange from equal to equal and a political forum for the Eastern neighborhood on their European path,” noted Anders Knape.
CALM president Tatiana Badan, who is the mayor of Selemet village of Cimislia district, said this event is an opportunity for considering the evolution of decentralization reforms in the Eastern Partnership countries and facilitating the access of the local authorities of these states to EU programs following the signing of Association Agreements. Among the problems faced by the local authorities of Moldova are the lack of financial decentralization measures, accentuation of pressure and administrative control on the local elected officials, legislative and administrative barriers to organizing autonomous functioning and the salaries. “All these problems endanger the continuation and sustainability of reforms and democratic processes in the country. We consider that the lack of a permanent and effective control mechanism between the state authorities and representatives of the local public administration is one of the causes for the instability and lack of continuity of reforms,” stated the CALM president.
Attending the event, Valentin Guznac, deputy secretary general of the Government, said the executive undertook serious commitments and works consistently to establish a solid framework for implementing profound reforms in the field of the central and local public administration. “In the name of the Government, I assure you once again of the readiness to have a dialogue and to efficiently cooperate in all the segments of activity of the local public authorities,” stated Valentin Guznac.
The conference was held within a strategic partnership with the European Commission and a specific Eastern neighborhood program for three partner states: Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
