Rama Meets with Socialist Mayors: Reform Is for Albania, Cities Will Retain Current Services

The Prime Minister held an informational meeting with the leaders of the municipalities expected to merge, during which the reform proposed by the Socialist Party was explained and the next steps were discussed.

According to Top Channel journalist Muhamed Veliu, the initiative was conceived as a reform for all of Albania, rather than for any particular municipality.

During the meeting, Rama is reported to have said: “The reform will move forward.”

The results of the 2014 Administrative-Territorial Reform have shown that merging municipalities brings shared benefits by increasing capacity, improving services and enabling more efficient administration.

The planned merger of Divjaka and Dimal also aims to extend these benefits to all citizens. Within the new local government unit, the cities will continue to have a clearly defined role, while the services currently provided will be retained.

One of the main guarantees for citizens is that the services currently provided by the existing municipalities will not be affected.

The process will continue through the necessary consultations with local government, communities and all stakeholders involved. The aim is to create a more functional and efficient local government structure that is closer to citizens.