www.gandul.ro/actualitate/ministrul-dezvoltarii-42

The Romanian government is initiating a significant administrative reform aimed at merging small localities with populations under 1,500. Minister Alexandru Stoica encourages voluntary consolidation, offering financial incentives to municipalities. The reform targets 429 localities and aims to address financial sustainability issues in small communities. Localities wishing to merge must hold referendums initiated by local councils. While the focus is on areas with fewer than 1,500 residents, the minister suggests that larger communities may also consider merging. The effects of this reform are expected to be seen in the 2028 local elections.