“Rama suddenly abandoned the Territorial Reform,” Berisha says, aiming to cut municipalities by 25 and urging citizens to protest

Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of abandoning the territorial reform and continuing what he called the country’s “depopulation project” by reducing the number of municipalities.

From the parliamentary podium, Berisha called on citizens to react and join protests, describing the defense of local community interests as a vital issue.

“Dear lawmakers, the truth is that although this parliament absolutely does not represent the will of Albanian citizens, the EU in the integration process placed two key tasks at the top of the agenda: comprehensive electoral reform and comprehensive territorial reform. Convinced that with Edi Rama there is only anti-reform, but in support of the demands of many citizens from across the country, and in support of our efforts for a free and fair electoral process, we took part in the two groups set up for these fundamental reforms.

On one condition: for the electoral reform to secure ODIHR expertise, for the territorial reform to secure expertise from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. The truth is that opposition representatives in these committees have provided highly valuable input. But above all, they have been the voice of citizens’ interests. The Swiss government, as well as the EU representative in Tirana, have shown full support and great interest in these two reforms.

Suddenly, Edi Rama de facto withdraws from the territorial reform and closes the process, continuing his project of further depopulating Albania. He has planned to cut 25 municipalities from Konispol to Krumë across the entire territory.

And this constitutes a clear practice of depopulation. That is why I am here to address Albanian citizens: stand up to defend the vital interests of your communities. A citizens’ protest, unprecedented in 30 years, gathers every night in the streets and squares of Tirana – join this protest to defend the most vital interests of your communities,” Berisha stressed.