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Albanian municipal reform protests, 46‑municipality plan

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-01 09:37 UTC → 2026-08-01 14:53 UTC · added removed

Albanian municipal reform protests and protests, 46‑municipality plan

The governing Socialist Party unveiled a Party's draft territorial reform to cut municipalities from reduce Albania's 61 municipalities to 46, merging 15 units 46 continues to trigger protests and creating a new “city” tier. Towns such as political debate. The plan lists 15 municipalities—Belsh, Fushë‑Arrëz, Klos, Rrogozhinë, Dimal, Poliçan Poliçan, Patos, Divjakë, Selenicë, Maliq, Këlcyrë, Memaliaj, Libohovë, Cërrik and Përrenjas are slated for consolidation. Prrenjas—to lose independent status and be merged into larger councils. Residents in Belsh, Poliçan, Divjakë, Libohovë and other towns have demonstrated, burning party flyers and demanding to keep their local autonomy. Opposition reaction intensified: Democratic Party leader Eno Bozdo denounced the plan as an attempt to redraw the electoral map, while and former DP chief Sali Berisha argued Albania should keep at least 100 municipalities to improve services argue the reform would redraw electoral maps and curb population growth. Residents of Poliçan staged call for a protest, burning return to the 1996 system of 100 municipalities. Socialist Party flyers MP Erion Braçe has urged a transparent, citizen‑focused debate, emphasizing the historical, cultural and demanding their municipality remain independent. economic ties of the affected towns. A Council of Europe report warned that Albania’s public services are overly centralized and recommended further decentralisation rather than reduction. Socialist deputy Erion Braçe, with personal ties to the affected areas, called for a transparent, citizen‑focused debate, stressing decentralisation. The controversy is shaping the historical, cultural and economic importance political landscape ahead of towns such as Poliçan, Divjakë and Libohovë. The reform remains a flashpoint amid ongoing demonstrations on Tirana’s main boulevard, where the 2027 local elections, with protesters chant also chanting “Arrest Rama” and demand the prime minister’s demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-01 14:53 UTC Albanian municipal reform protests, 46‑municipality plan
  2. 2026-08-01 09:37 UTC Albanian municipal reform protests and 46‑municipality plan
  3. 2026-07-30 23:49 UTC Albanian municipal reform protests and 46‑municipality plan

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