Albania to cut municipalities from 61 to 46 in new territorial reform

The Socialist Party of Albania has drafted a territorial reform that would reduce the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. The draft, sent to the mayors and municipal councils, gives them 60 days to submit written opinions after public hearings. The proposal calls for the consolidation of 15 municipalities – including Maliq, Dimal, Cërrik, Divjakë, Përrenjas, Patos, Belsh, Rrogozhinë, Klos, Selenicë, Poliçan, Memaliaj, Fushë‑Arrëz, Këlcyrë and Libohovë – and would affect roughly 224 000 residents, about 9.3 % of Albania’s population. While some of the targeted units have fewer than 10 000 inhabitants, others exceed 20 000, such as Maliq (31 000) and Dimal (28 000). Experts argue the reform should focus on service delivery and fiscal sustainability rather than merely reducing the number of local units. The plan is expected to be debated in Parliament in early October after the consultation period.