The Origin of the Institution of the State Representative in the Territory of Moldova

Abstract

After obtaining independence, the process of building a new system of public administration had started in the Republic of Moldova. A special role in this process was given to the institutionalization of the territorial state administration. Since the adoption of the normative framework in November 1998, which created the prefect institution, and until now, in the desire to reform the local public administration and to consolidate the deconcentrated administration, several models of state representation in the territory were attempted. We consider it important to mention that our country, in its historical evolution, has established certain traditions regarding the representation of the state in the territory, which could be taken over and adapted to the construction of the present system of public administration. For these reasons, we intend to analyze the exponents of local administration in Moldova and its functional components.

The administration of the Romanian feudal states had a pronounced centralizing character, determined by the need to strengthen the unity and state integrity. All the feudal institutions in the Romanian states were inextricably linked to the ruler, the person and his functions. The Ruler not only held all the functions of the state but also exercised them directly or through delegates, thus assuring the unit of leadership and participating, together with the representatives of the dominant class, directly, in the creation and organization of the judiciary, military, tax structures. The principle of delegation of power involved the transfer of competence and responsibility from the center to certain local agents of state power acting in the name and authority of the Ruler.

The superior position was held by the pârcălab, one of the oldest and most important dignitaries in the Romanian countries. Pârcălabul represented the ruler and ensured the implementation of the king's decisions within the country, which is why he enjoys great authority in the country, being at the top of the administrative hierarchy of the local governors. Because of this, the pârcălab and the staroste were named by the ruler of the great boyars.

Therefore, the institution of the state representative in the territory has rich historical traditions and dates back to the Moldovan state. The pârcălab had important legal, military, fiscal functions, and alongside with other royal servants, was the mechanism of land administration. During its evolution, this institution has undergone changes, but the essence remains stable, to represent central power locally.

Keywords: Moldova, administration reform, ruler, representative in the territory