Efficiency vs. Representation: The legal hurdles of Moldova’s local government reform

Radio Moldova, 27 February 2026 8:10

The Republic of Moldova is navigating a complex administrative overhaul as it prepares for the voluntary amalgamation of its local authorities. This reform aims to consolidate one of Europe’s most fragmented landscapes, where fewer than 2.5 million residents are currently served by nearly 900 town halls and 32 districts.

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Renowned poet and journalist Irina Nechit has marked a career milestone with the launch of her latest drama collection, Melania’s Advice (Sfaturile Melaniei). The event took place at the National Museum of Romanian Literature in Chisinau.
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The Republic of Moldova is now eligible to participate in the "NEB Boost" program, a landmark initiative launched by the European Commission. The scheme identifies and funds innovative projects that transform local communities into aesthetic, sustainable, and inclusive spaces.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans for a high-level trilateral summit involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates in early March.
Last 4 hours
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Chisinau municipal councilors are under fire for receiving allowances of approximately €150 (approx. 3,000 MDL) for sessions that never officially took place. Despite failing to pass a municipal budget for nearly two years, officials continue to collect payments for failed attempts to convene.
10:40
Pakistan launched extensive airstrikes and ground assaults against Taliban government targets in major Afghan cities overnight on Friday, February 27, marking a drastic escalation in regional tensions.
Last 6 hours
9:50
Moldova’s Minister of Culture, Cristian Jardan, has officially signed the final construction contract to complete the Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu Theatre in Cahul. The project marks a historic milestone as the first dedicated theatre building constructed in the country since it gained independence.
9:10
Approximately 90,000 Ukrainians have been reported missing since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion four years ago. Artur Dobroserdov, the State Commissioner for Persons Missing under Special Circumstances, disclosed the figure on Thursday.
8:10
The Republic of Moldova is navigating a complex administrative overhaul as it prepares for the voluntary amalgamation of its local authorities. This reform aims to consolidate one of Europe’s most fragmented landscapes, where fewer than 2.5 million residents are currently served by nearly 900 town halls and 32 districts.
Last 24 hours
21:40
After a break of over a year, Chisinau and Tiraspol resumed negotiations in a 1+1 format. Valeriu Chiveri, the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, met with Vitali Ignatiev, the envoy of the separatist regime. The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Tiraspol.
21:40
The deputies will review a total of 354 draft normative acts this year. Of these, 314 projects are included in the National Program for the Republic of Moldova's Accession to the European Union for the years 2025–2029. Additionally, they will consider the ratification of 18 international treaties and a series of acts resulting from the implementation of decisions made by the Constitutional Court. They will also review 48 annual reports from public authorities and institutions. The legislative program for 2026 was approved during the plenary session on February 26.
20:00
The Government of the Republic of Moldova is committed to resolving the Transnistrian conflict solely through peaceful, political, and diplomatic negotiations. This approach will respect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri made this statement on February 26 during the "1+1" meeting held at the headquarters of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Tiraspol.
19:40
The operations of zoos will be governed by a new law that aligns with European Union (EU) regulations. This document was voted on by Parliament during its first reading on February 26. The new law requires zoos to obtain authorization from the Environmental Agency and to maintain an official animal registry.
19:10
Imports of Moldovan wine into Ukraine could face significant restrictions soon. The Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv has prepared changes to the list of goods subject to special import controls in 2026, according to Ukrainian media. The measures will affect wines, fresh grapes, ethyl alcohol, and spirits.
18:50
The resumption of dialogue between Chișinău and Tiraspol occurs in a complex regional context, shaped by economic pressure, the war in Ukraine, and Moldova’s European aspirations. “The important thing is that dialogue exists,” noted Deutsche Welle (DW) journalist Alina Kühnel on Moldova 1 TV.
17:30
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15:20
Moldova firmly supports a peaceful resolution of the Transnistrian conflict and, at the OSCE Permanent Council meeting held in Vienna on 26 February, reiterated Russia’s obligation to withdraw its troops and ammunition from our country in line with its international commitments.
Yesterday
13:00
The mandate of Alexei Gherțescu as President of the Plenum of the Competition Council will conclude on March 1. On February 26, Parliament approved Gherțescu's resignation request, citing personal reasons.
12:50
Four years after the large-scale military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, at the initiative of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) faction, adopted a declaration supporting Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
12:50
International justice expert Saskia de Vries has resigned from the Prosecutors' Evaluation Commission. On February 26, Parliament acknowledged her resignation request and approved the end of her membership effective May 1.
11:50
Nicolae Șepeli is accused of recruiting 11 individuals to carry out attacks against Ukrainian soldiers and journalists, under the direction of Russian special services. He is believed to have ties to a network coordinated by the convicted Ilan Șor, which aimed to manipulate the elections in the Republic of Moldova.
11:40
A 67-year-old man raped two young girls over a four-year period. The sexual acts began when the girls were just eight years old and continued until they were 12. The perpetrator was sentenced to 20 years in prison, to be served in a closed prison.
11:30
During the session on February 26, deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova stood up twice to observe moments of silence. They honored those who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the victims of the war in Ukraine.
9:40
The agricultural chambers, established by the law that took effect on January 1, 2026, continue to spark controversy among agricultural sector representatives. Some farmers and leaders of professional organizations argue that mandatory membership undermines the project's potential from the outset, stating, "Anything that is imposed forcibly is temporary." Conversely, other representatives within the sector believe that the new structure could help consolidate agriculture and improve access to European funding.
9:00
Two out of five children experience physical abuse, and only one out of three women report incidents of domestic violence. Those who find the courage to seek help often encounter additional challenges. There is a severe shortage of shelters nationwide, with very few available in rural areas. These issues were highlighted in a study involving social workers, police officers, and other essential service providers working to combat this problem. Specialists emphasized the strong connection between the abuse experienced by mothers and the abuse endured by their children.
8:50
More than 800 churches and historical monuments may soon become state property. Authorities are awaiting a final decision from the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) after the Court of Appeal annulled the Metropolitanate of Moldova's right to use these church buildings free of charge and indefinitely last November. Although the Ministry of Culture acknowledges that it lacks the capacity to manage such a large number of religious monuments, it plans to conduct an evaluation of these buildings.
8:50
Sanitary-veterinary alert in the Dondușeni district: three rabies outbreaks were confirmed in the village of Boroseni, affecting a dog, a cow, and a fox, according to the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA).
25 February 2026
20:50
Family members of staff from the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Ukraine and the Consulate General in Odessa will now have the opportunity to work for pay in Ukraine. The Chisinau executive approved this agreement during a meeting on February 25, following its preparation in Kiev on February 10, 2026.
20:40
Seventeen new medicines have been introduced in the Republic of Moldova. The Medicines Commission of the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AMDM) authorized a total of 31 medicines on February 25, 17 of which are being launched for the first time.
20:30
Almost a month after temporarily suspending imports of poultry meat and products from Ukraine, the authorities are announcing a potential mechanism for the phased resumption of these deliveries under strict food safety conditions. The details were provided by Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga on Wednesday, February 25.
19:40
The political representatives from Chisinau and Tiraspol will meet on February 26 at the headquarters of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission, located on the left bank of the Nistru, to discuss the Transnistrian settlement.
17:00
Individuals who hold large amounts of cash for extended periods may struggle to explain the source of their funds, even if the funds were legally acquired. This warning comes from Finance Minister Andrian Gavriliță, who advises citizens to avoid receiving salaries “in an envelope” and any other undeclared payments.
17:00
Nine individuals were stripped of their Moldovan citizenship following a decree signed by President Maia Sandu on February 25. According to the Presidency, this action specifically targets those who have held or currently hold positions in unconstitutional structures on the left bank of the Nistru. Additionally, in two of the cases, the individuals in question fought alongside separatists during the 1992 armed conflict.
16:40
The Republic of Moldova aims to become a member of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 mandate, following the elections scheduled for 2026. This intention was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the High-Level Segment of the 61st Plenary Session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva, Switzerland.
16:40
Nicolae Vutcariov, former Deputy Director of the Customs Service, was appointed to head the State Labor Inspectorate. The Government approved this appointment during its meeting on February 25.
14:00
A project to rehabilitate preschool institutions will modernize fifty-two kindergartens in Chisinau, serving over 10,000 children and employing nearly 1,500 staff members. The first phase of this project will focus on upgrading 30 of the largest kindergartens in Chisinau.
More than 2 days ago
13:50
The Border Police announced that the European Union's electronic Entry/Exit System (EES) will be operational at all border crossing points between Romania and the Republic of Moldova starting March 2, 2026. This measure is part of the ongoing effort to modernize controls at the EU's external border and is aimed at citizens of non-EU countries who are making short visits to the EU.
13:40
Public institutions will plan, report, and track the implementation of government policies in real time through a new single digital platform, e-Monitoring, approved by the Executive.
13:40
The documents refer to certain areas as forested, but in reality, no trees have been planted there. On the morning of Wednesday, February 25, officers from the National Anticorruption Center (CNA), along with prosecutors and with the support of the Moldsilva Agency, are conducting criminal investigations related to the management of funds allocated for the National Forest Expansion and Rehabilitation Program.
11:40
The Republic of Moldova will transition to daylight saving time on the last Sunday of March, when the clock will move from 3:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. This decision, approved by the Government on February 25, establishes that daylight saving time in Moldova aligns with the practices of the European Union member states.
11:40
He forced his way into a resident's home, intending to rob her, killing the woman who resisted. However, the thief did not find any money in her home.
10:30
Starting February 15, visitors from 85 countries, including the Republic of Moldova, Romania, the United States, Canada, and EU member states, will be required to present an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
10:20
The authorities in Tiraspol implemented a special salary payment system for employees in the region's budget sector. This measure will be effective from March 1 to December 31, 2026. The decision was made during a meeting of the unrecognized executive governing the left bank of the Nistru.
9:50
The Government of the Republic of Moldova welcomes the Carlyle Group's intention to acquire the assets of Lukoil International GmbH (LIG) through a specialized oil company. This position was reaffirmed by the Minister of Energy, Dorin Junghietu, during a meeting with a representative of Carlyle Group Inc. in Washington.
9:40
The war sparked by Russia has led to an unprecedented exodus, with the number of Ukrainians leaving the country resembling the population of three Republics of Moldova. This significant demographic loss is having a profound impact on Ukraine's economy and future, as noted by experts.
9:20
In solidarity with Ukraine, dozens of people gathered outside the Russian Embassy in Chisinau to protest. The participants condemned the war crimes committed by Moscow and called for justice for the victims. The demonstration was peaceful, and the Russian Embassy has not yet responded to the action.
9:10
Drivers involved in minor road accidents can submit their amicable agreements online. This initiative has been developed by the National Financial Market Commission. The document also outlines an increase in the limits for material damages.
8:50
A business forum held in Zurich focused on attracting investments and fostering collaboration between the business sectors of the Republic of Moldova and Switzerland. This event was a key topic during discussions between Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi and his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis, in Bern.
8:40
This spring, the afforestation campaign aims to cover at least 7,200 hectares across the country, utilizing approximately 32 million saplings. This announcement was made by the Minister of Environment, Gheorghe Hajder, during the "Pe față" show on Moldova 1. He explained that the current capacity of forest nurseries can meet the demand for planting material. However, the authorities are proposing to modernize these nurseries to enhance the quality of the saplings and, consequently, improve the success rate of the plantings.
8:40
The "Eugen Doga" International Airport in Chisinau is undergoing a significant modernization and expansion phase, with investments expected to reach nearly 180 million lei in the first phase alone. According to Sergiu Spoială, the director of Chisinau International Airport, the expansion will involve the construction of additional facilities covering approximately 5,000 square meters, which accounts for about 20% of the airport's current area. This information was shared during a show on Realitatea.
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