Albania proposes administrative reform to consolidate municipalities

A new administrative-territorial reform proposal in Albania aims to reduce the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. The plan involves consolidating 28 existing municipalities into 13 larger units, which would eliminate 15 administrative apparatuses.

Proponents argue the reform will increase fiscal efficiency and reduce costs. Data suggests that smaller municipalities currently have significantly higher administrative costs per inhabitant, with an average of 26 employees per 1,000 residents compared to 13 in larger units. The bill prioritizes reallocating personnel to territorial services and integrated desks rather than mass layoffs to ensure continuity of employment.

However, the proposal has faced criticism from local leaders. Adriatik Zotkaj, the Socialist Mayor of Poliçan, has voiced opposition, arguing that the merger would weaken local government power and strip mayors of essential competencies. Zotkaj noted that such changes could impact local economies, citing that in Poliçan alone, approximately 1,068 employees and 400 businesses would face new circumstances following a potential boundary change.