forward for addressing those challenges in the future. 9. Consolidated dialogue on aid and development with local governments and civil society at all levels of the EU decision-making as well as access and presence of civil society and local governments, and their associations as key development factors, to all bilateral aid negotiations with European Union. An equal treatment in aid negotiations of central authorities, local governments and civil society organisations generating real national aid ownership and partnership.
5
NEXT STEPS FOR REFORM
T
he need for reform is overwhelming and the key steps to undertake are very much bound on the issues described in previous sections. In June-October 2017, CALM organised a broad consultation process with its members at the regional level in about 20 raions regarding LGs and administrativeterritorial reforms, in order to develop its own vision and model of such complex reforms. As a result of these consultations, with about 500 mayors, presidents of the raions and other LGs representatives, CALM has defined the concept of the reform model called DACIA. The model is based on three basic elements defined as priorities: Administrative Decentralisation (DA), Intermunicipal Cooperation (CI) and Voluntary Amalgamation (A). The DACIA model of LGs reform suggested by CALM is a complex and comprehensive one including several important, closely correlated and interdependent factors and areas. The model proposes a visionary, stepby-step approach, grounded in Moldovan realities and in the needs of the LG system in Moldova. At the same time, taking into account the importance of the political factor and the previous experience, the concept tries to touch upon less sensitive approaches aiming at a broad national consensus needed to ensure sustainability and continuity of the reforms in this area. In particular, the following
main directions are being proposed: a) Territorial optimisation/re-calibration of public services. Reviewing the location, role and status of the LGs of the 2nd tier (raions), creating the necessary framework for stimulation of voluntary amalgamation, intermunicipal cooperation, development and implementation of growth poles and delegation of services to other LGs or institutional actors; b) Implementing measures to decentralise/ strengthen financial autonomy and increase local budget revenues in line with the recommendations of the Council of Europe based on the proposals developed by CALM and submitted to the Government; c) Organisational decentralisation measures in the field of personnel and remuneration ensuring the full right and freedom of LGs to have their own personnel policies in accordance with the specifics of the administered territory and with its own economic/financial possibilities; d) Measures to reduce political and administrative control over LGs. Currently administrative, political, financial control system, is commonly recognised as abusive, excessive and totally out-dated, constituting an enormous barrier for LGs activities and for local development.
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