Territorial reform, Mazniku: The new administrative division increases representation and municipalities’ capacities

Arbjan Mazniku, chair of the Special Commission on Territorial Reform, presented the Socialist Party’s position on the new administrative division to the Law Commission. He said the proposal was drafted on the basis of technical criteria, concrete data and analyses by experts engaged by Parliament.

According to Mazniku, the municipalities that will be created will have significantly greater capacities to fulfill their functions.

He explained that the basis of the reform is the report prepared by the experts approved by Parliament, while the opposition has not submitted a report of its own. According to him, the document contains criteria, facts, figures and analyses, on the basis of which proposals submitted by municipalities and residents were also reviewed.

Mazniku stressed that the administrative and territorial division falls under Parliament’s authority. He added that the views of residents, municipal councils and mayors were taken into consideration during the process, within the deadlines set by law. Some of the suggestions, he said, were included in the final proposal.

Speaking about the proposed mergers, he stated that the majority of the territories that will become part of joint municipalities have supported the change.

The representation of residents was another issue he raised. Mazniku said that, in accordance with the 2015 decision of the Constitutional Court, the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to make decisions within the territory of the municipality to which they belong. According to him, the proposal also provides for a mechanism for proportional representation in municipal councils through the cities.

“No service that is being taken away from citizens has been identified,” Mazniku declared, adding that the cities model increases the number to 71 and, in many cases, brings the administration closer to residents. He reiterated that the new municipalities will have greater opportunities to exercise their responsibilities.