Final parliamentary session, SP and DP clash over reports on territorial reform, what awaits the new map?

On July 23, Thursday, the final plenary session of this parliamentary session is scheduled to take place. Sources close to Euronews indicate that the agenda will exclusively contain the approval of documents related to the territorial reform.

Two separate reports will be brought to the Parliament floor, one prepared by the Socialist Party and the other by the Democratic Party. However, given the majority’s weight, the Socialists’ document is expected to pass, as they have secured 84 votes, the exact number needed to make it a reality.

What remains pending is whether, alongside the report, the Socialist Party will also submit its version for the new geographical configuration of local government. The discussion is focused on the dilemma of whether the country will continue with 61 municipalities or whether a new scheme will be introduced, possibly reducing the number to 50, or even 40 local units.

According to sources, the proposal to be tabled will focus solely on revising the territorial division, without intervening in the legal framework of local self-government or its finances. Discussion on these two laws is expected to be postponed to the next parliamentary session, which begins in September.

It remains to be seen whether, by Thursday, the majority will maintain the positions expressed earlier and present for a vote the proposal for a new administrative map with a reduced number of municipalities.