Albanian residents protest proposed municipal mergers

Citizens in several Albanian municipalities are protesting against a proposed administrative reform by the Socialist Party that would merge smaller municipalities into larger ones.

In Patos, residents have demonstrated against the proposal to merge the municipality with Fier. Protesters argue the move threatens their local identity, which is deeply tied to the region's oil industry. They have requested a broader consultation process and suggested that the city's current administrative performance is among the best in the country.

In Divjakë, residents have marked 30 days of continuous protest against a plan to merge the municipality with Lushnjë. Demonstrators have expressed unwavering opposition to the government's decision, with some alleging that local authorities have applied pressure to discourage participation in the protests.