Debate on local public administration reform, 26 May 2026, Chisinau. Photo source: FES Moldova. May 2026 Local Public Administration Reform in Search of Consensus: Four Models and the Need for Sustainable Reform Topics of the edition: 1 ­Collective interview, Four Approaches to Local Public Administration Reform: Between Amalgamation, Local Autonomy, and Raions L ocal public administration reform in the Republic of Moldova has entered a phase of intensive pu­blic debate. During a roundtable organized by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the School of Public Administration of Moldova State University, four distinct visions for the future of local governance were presented in the context of European integration. transformation of districts into appro­ximately ten counties. CALM considers excessive centralizati­on to be the main problem and advoca­tes for stronger local self-government, the preservation of municipalities, the development of inter-municipal coo­peration, and the reorganization of the district level into larger regions compa­tible with European standards. 2 ­Madalin Necsutu, journalist TVR Moldova: The Real Stakes of Local Government Reform: Four Concepts, One Conclusion 3 ­Adrian Ermurachi, vice director IPRE: Local Public Administration Reform: Beyond the Models, What Matters Is the Way Decisions Are Made The Government promotes the volun­tary amalgamation of localities and the strengthening of the administrati­ve and financial capacities of muni­cipalities, with the aim of improving public service delivery and enhancing access to European funds. The IFAR model , developed by the School of Public Administration of Moldova State University , is rooted in the challenges posed by depopula­tion and proposes a functional reform based on administrative viability, a balance between efficiency and democratic representation, and the The Civic Congress proposes re­placing the current district structure with approximately 40 self-sufficient municipalities serving as develop­ment hubs around networks of demo­cratically self-governing rural commu­nities. The model places particular emphasis on fiscal decentralization and strengthening local autonomy. Despite their differences, all four approaches underscore the impor­tance of broad political and social consensus, enhanced financial auto­nomy, and alignment with European standards of local governance. Foreign Policy Association together with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung offer you a newsletter on foreign policy and European integration issues of the Republic of Moldova. The newsletter is part of the“Foreign Policy Dialogue” joint Project. Monthly newsletter, No.5(243), May 2026 1