www.oradesibiu.ro/2026/11/13/presedintele-usr-sust

The first stage of voluntary mergers for communes is set for December 2026, with incentives for those under 1,500 residents to unite with neighboring units. Dominic Fritz, USR president, supports the PSD's direction on merging but remains skeptical about the proposed reform. He acknowledges the need to reduce the number of counties, citing financial sustainability issues. Despite his agreement, Fritz expresses concerns over internal opposition within PSD regarding the reform. The previous government attempted a similar administrative reform but lacked political consensus. The Development Minister aims for voluntary mergers to begin in December 2026, offering bonuses to small communes that merge.