Residents continue opposing the Socialist Party’s territorial reform draft, gather in protest outside Parliament’s Presidium

On the morning of Monday, October 5, 2026, many citizens gathered outside Parliament’s Presidium to oppose the Socialist Party’s proposal for territorial reform, which calls for the merger of several municipalities.

The Socialist Party’s bill is also expected to be discussed at today’s meeting of the Law Commission before proceeding to a plenary session.

The Socialist Party’s draft proposes reducing the number of municipalities from 61 to 46 by merging 15 municipalities and consolidating them into larger municipalities.

Residents of the affected municipalities and local administrations have risen in protest against the plan.

What does the Socialist Party’s draft envisage?

The Socialist Party proposes reducing the number of municipalities in the country from 61 to 46 by merging 15 municipalities. According to the draft, 33 municipalities will remain unchanged, while 28 others will be affected by the administrative changes.

The municipalities to be merged are Fushë-Arrëz, Klos, Rrogozhinë, Dimal, Poliçan, Patos, Divjakë, Selenicë, Maliq, Këlcyrë, Memaliaj, Libohovë, Cërrik, Belsh and Prrenjas.

The changes affect several counties. In Elbasan County, Cërrik and Belsh will join the Municipality of Elbasan, while Prrenjas will merge with Librazhd. Berat will expand to include Dimal and Poliçan. In Fier County, Patos will join the Municipality of Fier, while Divjakë will come under the administration of Lushnjë.

In the south, Selenicë will join the Municipality of Vlorë, the Municipality of Memaliaj will merge with Tepelenë, Libohovë with Gjirokastër, and Këlcyrë with Përmet. In the north, Fushë-Arrëz will become part of the Municipality of Pukë, while Klos will join Mat.