Rama in Vlora on the territorial map: Municipalities will merge, reform aims to be completed in 2031

Prime Minister Edi Rama said in Vlora that he is confident the new territorial map proposed by the Socialist Party will be implemented, providing for a reduction in the number of municipalities from 61 to 46.

According to Rama, the merger of local government units is unavoidable, as it is supported by global theory, Albania’s history and numerical data. He said the process should be completed in 2031.

During meetings with Socialist Party structures and residents of Vlora, the head of government explained how the new territorial organization is expected to function. Rama emphasized that the reform does not aim to eliminate services or cities.

“The services currently provided by small municipalities will continue to be provided by the cities in exactly the same way. No one will take the services away. Today, small municipalities do not perform a large part of their functions because they do not have sufficient human resources,” Rama said during the meeting.

As part of the Territorial Reform, Rama also held meetings in Gjirokastër on Saturday. There, he presented citizens with the Socialists’ new plan, using Libohovë as an example.

The meeting in Vlora was accompanied by a protest outside the Palace of Culture. The protesters were led by Baki Goxhaj, known as a leader of pro-Palestinian protests. He was escorted to the police station along with three other protesters.