TIRANA, July 31 /ATA/ The Democratic Party on Friday presented its draft proposal for Albania’s administrative-territorial reform, which envisages increasing the number of municipalities to 100 from 61, while retaining 12 counties and establishing six regions.
According to the party, increasing the number of municipalities would improve the quality of public services and lead to more effective territorial governance.
Under the Democratic Party’s proposal, the number of municipalities would double in some counties, while several former administrative units would regain municipal status.
The party said its proposal was the result of consultations with citizens and experts, accusing the ruling majority of suspending the work of the special commission on territorial reform and presenting a unilateral draft instead.
The first region would include Shkodër and Lezhë; the second region would comprise Dibër and Kukës; the third would include Tirana and Durrës; the fourth would consist of Elbasan and Korçë; the fifth would include Fier and Berat; and the sixth would comprise Vlorë and Gjirokastër.
In Shkodër County, the proposal would increase the number of municipalities from five to eight. The proposed municipalities are Shkodër, Malësi e Madhe, Vau i Dejës, Pukë, Fushë-Arrëz, Velipojë, Drivast and Koplik.
Lezhë County would increase from three to eight municipalities. The proposed municipalities are Lezhë, Bregu i Matës, Zadrima, Mirditë, Orosh, Rubik, Kurbin and Mamurras.
Kukës County would grow from three to five municipalities: Kukës, Tropojë, Has, Shishtavec and Bicaj.
Dibër County would increase from four to eight municipalities: Dibër, Mat, Bulqizë, Klos, Maqellarë, Shupenzë, Kastriot and Lurë.
Durrës County would have five municipalities: Durrës, Sukth, Shijak, Krujë and Fushë-Krujë.
Tirana County would increase from five to ten municipalities: Tirana, Kamëz, Vorë, Kavajë, Rrogozhinë, Petrelë, Kashar, Dajt, Arbanë and Ndroq.
Elbasan County would increase from seven to nine municipalities: Elbasan, Peqin, Belsh, Cërrik, Gramsh, Librazhd, Përrenjas, Bradashesh and Shpat.
Korçë County would grow from six to ten municipalities: Korçë, Maliq, Pogradec, Devoll, Pustec, Ersekë, Voskopojë, Pojan, Leskovik and Mokër.
Fier County would increase from six to 12 municipalities: Fier, Patos, Roskovec, Lushnjë, Divjakë, Ardenicë, Krutje, Dushk, Mallakastër, Fratar, Levan and Cakran.
Berat County would grow from five to seven municipalities: Dimal, Kuçovë, Berat, Poliçan, Skrapar, Otllak and Shpirag.
Vlorë County would increase from seven to 11 municipalities: Vlorë, Selenicë, Himarë, Orikum, Amantia, Sarandë, Delvinë, Finiq, Konispol, Ksamil and Novoselë.
Gjirokastër County would remain with seven municipalities, unchanged from the current structure: Gjirokastër, Libohovë, Dropull, Memaliaj, Tepelenë, Këlcyrë and Përmet.
The Democratic Party said its proposal aims to strengthen local government through the decentralisation of powers, greater financial autonomy and bringing public services closer to citizens.
The party also proposed doubling the unconditional grant to local government units from 1% to 2% of GDP, as well as creating a solidarity fund to support municipalities with lower revenues.
According to the Democratic Party, the draft would limit the Prime Minister’s Office’s role in overseeing municipal operations and financial transfers, assigning supervision exclusively to the Supreme State Audit and municipal councils.
/sm/
