Albanian Socialist Party proposes cutting municipalities to 40-50

The Socialist Party of Albania is moving forward with a territorial‑reform plan that would reduce the country's municipalities to between 40 and 50. In a July 23 interview, party deputy‑head Arbian Mazniku said the aim is to give remaining local units more competence and financial viability, noting that many small municipalities lack staff, residents or fiscal capacity. The proposal also creates a new level of regional governance, focusing on four preferred regions, while minority‑population municipalities would be left unchanged.

Mazniku added that the capital, Tirana, could receive a special chapter covering functions such as the assignment of an international airport. The draft law is slated for parliamentary approval at the end of September or early October, after which the new municipal map will be used in the next local elections.