Primari

Primari is the plural form of primar, the Romanian term for the elected head of a local government unit in Romania and Moldova. A primar leads the executive branch of the locality, chairs the mayor’s office (primăria), and represents the locality in dealings with citizens and other levels of government.

Elections and term: Primari are elected by local residents in local elections, typically held every four years. In Romania, mayoral elections use a two-round system: if no candidate wins a majority in the first round, the top two face a runoff. Primari can be re-elected, and there is no fixed term limit.

Duties and powers: The primar oversees the administration of local services such as water and waste management, transportation, roads, urban planning, and cultural and social services. They implement the decisions of the local council, manage the local budget and procurement, sign local regulations and ordinances, and appoint deputies and department heads within the primăria. The primar also represents the locality in relations with higher levels of government and external partners.

Context: The primar operates within the framework of local autonomy defined by national law. The position applies to communes, towns, and cities, with variations in size and scope according to the municipality’s status. The institution is a central component of decentralized governance in Romania and Moldova.

Etymology: The word primar derives from Latin primarius, meaning chief or principal.