Luca Niculescu met with representatives of the Union of County Councils to discuss administrative reform and voluntary mergers

Prime Minister Luca Niculescu met on Wednesday at Victoria Palace with representatives of the National Union of County Councils of Romania to discuss budgetary pressures, administrative reform and voluntary mergers. County council presidents and several government members attended the meeting.

The discussions focused on the problems facing county administrations, particularly the funding of social services, hospitals and county roads, as well as the completion of projects with imminent deadlines. The prime minister announced that these urgent matters must be reflected in the budget revision and in the draft budget for next year.

The meeting’s agenda also included preparations for the cold season, ensuring energy supplies for the population and the economy, and measures to support vulnerable people. Niculescu emphasized the need for a predictable relationship between the government and local administration.

The prime minister said that territorial administrative reform, clearer rules for local finances and voluntary mergers are part of the governing program. According to him, the objective is to use public funds more efficiently, protect investments and accelerate projects financed through the NRRP and cohesion funds. Niculescu said that local administration can become a strong partner of the government in implementing reforms.