Local decision-making, civil participation and public dialogue were central themes of a roundtable called “Local Voices, Shared Goals: Advancing local democracy”, organised by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in Sireti village, Straseni district. It was joined by members of the Congress Bureau, central government officials, mayors, and representatives from civil society.

Opening the event, Congress’ President Marc Cools stressed that representative local institutions must be complemented by modern forms of participatory democracy, public dialogue and increased participation of young people.

Deputy Secretary General Alexandru Iacub, speaking for the Republic of Moldova’s government, explained that strengthening democracy means not only holding fair elections, but also creating effective ways for citizens to be consulted, have conversations, and take part in decision-making. He said civic participation is central to Moldova’s plans to reform public administration.

The mayors of Sireți, Zubrești, and Leova talked about their work to increase public participation, promote human rights, and support open government actions with help from the Congress. They said it’s important to work together with communities to plan improvements to local infrastructure, services, and even reforms like voluntary amalgamation of municipalities. Maria Manoli, Mayor of Zubrești, emphasized that human rights should be part of every local development plan and strategy.

Following this event, the second Joint Steering Committee meeting of the two of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau projects dedicated, bringing together key national stakeholders, including the State Chancellery, Parliament, Prime Minister’s Office, Equality Council, civil society organisations, local authorities, and the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova.

The event was organised ahead of the 69th Meeting of the Congress Bureau and is part of the Republic of Moldova’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and contributes to the New Democratic Pact for Europe.

The Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress currently implements the projects ‘Promoting Civil Participation in Political Decision-Making in the Republic of Moldova’ (2024-26) and ‘Promoting multilevel dialogue, open government and human rights at local level in the Republic of Moldova’ (2025-2028). These projects receive financial support under the 2025-2028 Council of Europe Action Plan for Moldova.