TIRANA, Oct. 9 /ATA/ – Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha accused the ruling majority of acting against citizens’ interests after 85 lawmakers voted in favour of an administrative-territorial reform that envisages reorganising 15 municipalities, including Patos and Divjaka in southern Albania.
Speaking at a meeting of his main opposition party’s “Renewal Forum” in Fier, Berisha described the decision as a blow to local self-government and opposed changes affecting the municipalities.
He highlighted Divjaka’s agricultural and natural assets, describing the area as an important centre for farmers and agricultural exports. Such areas had significant development potential and should retain their local self-government, he said.
Berisha also accused ruling-party representatives of pursuing political and personal interests in their decision-making. He called for the establishment of a national agency to confiscate illegally acquired assets and return them to citizens.
“We were defending citizens there. Regardless of whether someone is a Democrat, unaffiliated or a Socialist, people should have self-government where they deserve it,” Berisha said.
He urged citizens to mobilise against the reform, arguing that the reorganisation of municipalities would harm the interests of local communities.
/gj.m/u.sh/
