A state of intimidation and general fear was instituted at the level of the local public authorities (LPAs) in the Republic of Moldova. The political and administrative control over the LPAs was drastically intensified. Regression and shortcomings are witnessed in all the areas of local democracy, Tatiana Badan, chairwoman of the Congress of Local Public Authorities (CALM) and mayor of Selemet village of Cimislia district, stated in a direct dialogue with the local public administration staged by the Government on February 1, when it is celebrated the professional day of public servants, IPN reports.
According to Tatiana Badan, the problems faced by the local authorities are related to the major shortcomings in implementing the policy documents and decentralization commitments. The status of the local elected official is distorted by accepting to administrative posts persons who were not elected. The revenues of the local budgets decreased. The process of consolidating the local revenues is blocked. The powers are transferred without securing financial backing. An increasing number of mayors complain that they are subject to pressure and are arrested. This is not beneficial to the country.
Mayor of Magdacesti village of Criuleni district Liuba Cojocaru said the local authorities face many problems, but their financial resources and possibilities are insufficient for dealing with these.
In the opening of the event, Prime Minister Pavel Filip reminded of the Government reform, noting that the same principle should be implemented at the local level so as to modernize the whole country. According to the Premier, immediate measures should be taken for the people to enjoy better living conditions. “We need a joint, consolidated team. We will not manage to achieve the development objectives alone,” he stated.
Attending the event, EU Ambassador to Moldova Peter Michalko said the European Union is concerned about the signals of political pressure transmitted by local elected officials outside. He underlined the necessity of reaching a political compromise at the local level so as to be able to work in the interests of the people.
U.S. Ambassador James Pettit said the frequent change of government at the local level diminishes people’s confidence in the authorities. To successfully complete the initiated reforms, the central and local authorities should cooperate productively.
The Local Self-Governance and Local Public Administration Workers Day has been marked on February 1 since 2012 with the aim of highlighting the importance and value of persons who work for the local public administration.
