Moldova Plans Major Overhaul: 898 Administrative Units to Be Consolidated into 7 Counties and Chișinău Municipality

Moldova's Administrative and Territorial Reform

According to Главком: The Moldovan government has initiated preparations for a sweeping administrative-territorial reform, aiming to address the fragmented nature of the country's governance system. The primary objective is to drastically reduce the current number of administrative units, which stands at 898, to approximately 300. The reform concept is scheduled for presentation in March 2026, with a draft law to be submitted to parliament for consideration in the autumn. This ambitious plan seeks to streamline governance and improve public service delivery across the nation.

Structure of the New Administrative System

The proposed concept outlines the creation of seven counties, which are:

• Bălți
• Cahul
• Bender
• Orhei
• Soroca
• Tiraspol
• Ungheni

Additionally, a single municipality-Chișinău-is planned. As part of the reform, district councils will be transformed into professional structures, which is expected to enhance the efficiency of local governance.

The reform concept also envisions incorporating the administrative-territorial unit of Gagauzia into Cahul County, and the Transnistrian region into Tiraspol County. A significant step in implementing this reform was the first 1+1 format meeting in a year between political representatives from Chișinău and Tiraspol, held on February 26 in Tiraspol. This dialogue could prove crucial for resolving issues related to the country's administrative-territorial structure, particularly concerning the breakaway region of Transnistria.

Consequently, the Moldovan government has set an ambitious goal: reorganizing the administrative-territorial framework in a way that could fundamentally alter the management structure and improve the effectiveness of state administration.

The planned administrative-territorial reform in Moldova represents a critical move toward improving national governance. However, its execution will require a measured approach and broad discussion among political forces and the public. Cooperation between Chișinău and Tiraspol may be key to successfully integrating Transnistria into the new administrative framework. This overhaul also has the potential to impact the country's political stability, as it reshapes the balance of power at the local level.