PSD proposes merging small localities, and over 400 town halls could disappear

The administrative-territorial reform proposed by the PSD could lead to the merger of hundreds of localities and the disappearance of more than 400 town halls, given that 429 localities in Romania have no more than 1,500 residents. Among the counties most affected are Cluj, Alba, Caraș-Severin and Hunedoara.

Alba has the most localities below this threshold, namely 27. Caraș-Severin and Hunedoara each have 26, while Cluj has 25. Mehedinți and Olt each have 23, Dolj has 21, and Teleorman has 20. Another 18 localities are in Arad and 16 in Buzău.

PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu announced that he would propose that the Government assume responsibility before Parliament for the administrative-territorial reform and government reorganization. Development Minister Alexandru Stoica, however, argued that the first stage should target the voluntary merger of communes with no more than 1,500 residents, following consultations with citizens through a referendum.

The initiative has prompted criticism from the PNL and UDMR. The Liberals are calling for analyses and a political and social debate before the bill is adopted. Kelemen Hunor warned that the reform must take geography, local communities and ethnic specificities into account, rather than being imposed through a centralized decision. The Development Minister says the measure could reduce administrative expenses and the number of civil servants.