Moldovan City Wins $1 Million Grant: Merit Over Connections

Chadyr-Lunga, a city in Gagauzia, Moldova, has achieved remarkable success in securing substantial funding for its development projects. This accomplishment is noteworthy because it is based on merit and the quality of project proposals, rather than political connections. Anatoliy Topal, the mayor, attributes this success to a dedicated team of professionals who have honed their grant-writing skills over the past decade. In a recent interview, Topal stated, “When money comes directly, we stop being content with crumbs!” This highlights the city's shift from relying on limited regional funds to securing significant direct investments. The city recently won a large environmental project worth $1 million, demonstrating their ability to compete successfully for international grants. This success story provides a positive example of effective local governance and sustainable development.