The revision forms part of the public administration reform promoted by the Government and aims to streamline the organizational structure, optimize functions, and enhance the management and efficiency of municipal services. The Executive Council has concluded discussions on the draft law amending Law No. 9/2018 – Establishment of the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), which will be submitted to the Legislative Assembly.
According to the Government, the current structure of the Municipal Affairs Bureau overlaps with other public departments, particularly in the areas of transport, public works, and urban management, leading to duplicated tasks and complex administrative procedures.
The draft law therefore proposes the transfer of several IAM competencies to the relevant transport and public works departments, including those related to the naming of public spaces, assignment of building numbers, and the maintenance and repair of roads and drainage networks. The measure seeks to clarify the division of responsibilities and strengthen interdepartmental coordination, guided by the principles of administrative centralization, procedural simplification, and improved municipal management.
Another key aspect of the proposal is the reorganization of the personnel regime. The bill calls for the revocation of the IAM’s specific personnel statute, with its staff to be governed by the general civil service regime. Employment contracts will be changed from individual employment contracts to administrative appointment contracts, in accordance with the legislation applicable to the public administration.
To ensure a smooth transition, affected employees will sign new contracts without loss of rights, maintaining continuity of service time and validity of completed training courses. Other staff members will retain their existing employment arrangements.
Through this proposal, the Government aims to advance the modernization of municipal administration, make management more precise and efficient, and enhance coordination among public departments, contributing to a more integrated and effective governance framework.
