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Albania's municipal merger plan sparks protests and debate
The Albanian government’s proposed administrative‑territorial reform, which would increase the number of municipalities from the 47 established in the 2015 reform to as many as 61, has triggered protests from local councils. Mayors and council members in several municipalities – including Libohova, Klos, Rrogozhinë, Patos and others – have convened urgent meetings to adopt official resolutions opposing the mergers and plan to submit their written positions to the government.
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded that the demonstrations are normal and that the reform draft is currently in a 60‑day legal consultation phase, during which every citizen and institution may express its view in writing. He emphasized that the final decision will be taken by the Parliament after all opinions are heard. Opposition figures, notably former President Ilir Meta and MP Shpëtim Idrizi, have been accused of influencing the process for political gain, with critics describing the rapid changes as a “rebellion” of party officials lacking competence.
The controversy centers on criteria for merging small municipalities, with some arguing that the government is ignoring local identities and service needs. The debate continues as councils prepare formal objections and the Parliament prepares to vote on the reform.
Entities
Albania · Belsh municipality · Democratic Party (Albania) · Divjakë · Edi Rama · Erion Braçe · Ilir Meta · Klos municipality · Libohova Municipality · Libohovë · Local councils of Libohova, Klos, Rrogozhinë, Patos · Poliçan
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prime Minister Edi Rama said protests by local councils are normal and that officials must submit written positions. aktuale.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Proposed mergers would combine Libohova with Gjirokastër, Klos with Mat, Rrogozhina with Kavaja, and Patos with Fier. gijotina.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ilir Meta and Shpëtim Idrizi were involved in last‑minute changes that increased the number of municipalities to 61. 24-ore.com · javanews.al
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government says the consultation process does not prevent municipalities from submitting written opposition. aktuale.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Councils of Libohova, Klos, Rrogozhina and Patos have formally opposed the proposed mergers affecting their municipalities. gijotina.com
- [DISPUTED] The Albanian government proposed a territorial reform that would merge municipalities, raising the total number from 47 to 61. 24-ore.com · javanews.al
- [● 2 SOURCES] The reform draft is in a 60‑day public consultation phase during which written opinions may be submitted. aktuale.mk · gijotina.com