Debate in the Laws Committee over territorial reform, DP: You are blocking our initiative; Manja: The proposals have been reviewed

Administrative-territorial reform sparked clashes between opposition and majority lawmakers in the Laws Committee.

Democratic Party lawmakers raised concerns about the way consultations on the bill are being conducted with municipalities. According to them, Parliament is obstructing the opposition’s legislative initiative. Committee Chair Ulsi Manja denied the accusations, stating that the DP’s proposals had been discussed at previous meetings.

Oerd Bylybashi, DP lawmaker: “You informed us that the letter regarding the consultation had been sent, but Durrës has not received it. A meeting of the Municipal Council is scheduled for today, and the document has not arrived. Apparently, the same situation exists in other municipalities as well. This is a form of sabotage. Parliament is deliberately obstructing the opposition’s legislative initiative so that it cannot be consulted on and the relevant positions cannot be collected.”

Saimir Korreshi, DP lawmaker: “Today, people are out in the streets over this issue, including left-wing mayors who have been emasculated. Throughout this entire period, the pressure has been 10 to prevent support for this legislative initiative. Around the world, even municipalities or communes with 1,000–2,000 residents can be merged like butter. The municipalities targeted for merger will be left like pigeon cages. You cannot come to Parliament with the arrogance that you have 83 lawmakers, since all municipal councils have voted against your legislative initiative. You speak of 15 municipal reports that you will modify, but they are not modeling clay. Therefore, wait for our legislative initiative. This is not a reform, but a unilateral initiative. If you truly want to do something, let us sit down and listen to the people.”

Ulsi Manja, committee chair: “We have reviewed your proposals in two consecutive meetings. Why do you not request the floor to discuss them in principle? You may express your political positions as you wish. This issue will not be placed on the agenda, as we have dealt with it previously.”