Nicușor Dan, on Romania’s administrative-territorial reform: “I understand that many people want this, in various forms, and I support this direction”

President Nicușor Dan stated on Tuesday evening, at the press conference at Cotroceni Palace, that Romania needs administrative-territorial reorganization. He supports the merger of communes that cannot cover their expenses and the transfer of certain public services to nearby towns.

The head of state explained that the reform has two components. The first concerns small, non-functional localities, which could be merged voluntarily or through an imposed decision when they are unable to financially support their operations. The second involves a broader reform, adapted to economic changes and the development of major urban centers.

Nicușor Dan emphasized that the current administrative-territorial division dates back to 1968 and no longer corresponds to economic reality. He called for an extensive debate, with the participation of sociologists and economists, but noted that a wide-ranging reform could not be completed by the next local elections.

The statements come after PSD announced several scenarios on Monday for merging communes with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants and towns below the legal threshold of 10,000 inhabitants. The party proposes criteria concerning population, economic sustainability, administrative capacity, connectivity, and public services. The reform could eliminate between 15,000 and 18,000 elected positions after 2028 and would be adopted through the Government assuming responsibility.

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