Clash at the Hearing on Territorial Reform in Elbasan, Alizoti: A Shameful Process, Citizens Must Vote in a Referendum

The public consultation held by the Municipality of Elbasan on the new administrative-territorial reform was met with strong opposition from the opposition.

The Democratic Party’s political leader for Elbasan County, Tomor Alizoti, described the hearing as inadequate and criticized the way it was organized. According to him, a change of such importance must be discussed extensively with citizens and must also be accompanied by a referendum.

The draft proposal foresees the municipalities of Cërrik and Belsh becoming part of the Municipality of Elbasan. This proposal had previously been opposed by residents of these areas as well.

Alizoti said the meeting did not meet the conditions for a genuine public hearing. He stated that he had attended together with Mr. Himçi, Mr. Turku and Mr. Muzhaqi, who, according to him, know the city and the reform’s challenges well.

Referring to 2022, he described as shameful the situation in which Albania, its citizens, the government and the municipalities find themselves. Alizoti compared the situation to the 1950s and 1960s, when, according to him, everyone repeated slogans in support of Enver Hoxha, such as “Long live Enver Hoxha” and “May Enver Hoxha live long.” He added that the young women who were present had not experienced that period.

Alizoti stressed that territorial reform is one of the most important changes for a country, since people live in territories and must be consulted on such decisions. He called for citizens to express their views through a referendum, linking the issue to decentralization and the separation of powers, which he described as the foundations of democracy and the country’s path toward the European Union.

According to him, concentrating power in one hand leads to autocracy, while the separation of powers is part of democracy. During his speech, Alizoti harshly criticized the mayor, whom he called “totally ignorant,” while describing the situation as tragic. He also stated that Edi Rama had caused Albania damage that, in his view, no one else had caused it.

Praising the contributions of Mr. Himçi, Mr. Turku and Mr. Muzhaqi, Alizoti said they had spoken and addressed the political situation professionally. In conclusion, he warned that Albania would deteriorate if Albanians and the Democratic Party did not mobilize, since, according to him, the country had been taken over by ignorance and stupidity.