TIRANA, Nov 2 /ATA/ President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has signed into law the new administrative-territorial division of Albania’s local government units, which provides for a reduction in the number of municipalities from 61 to 46.
The new changes are expected to take effect in the May 9, 2027 local elections, when citizens will vote for the mayors and municipal councils of the 46 municipalities. Meanwhile, the country’s existing 12 counties will remain unchanged.
In his decree, issued pursuant to Article 84, paragraph 1, and Article 93 of the Constitution, President Begaj promulgated Law No. 100/2026, “On the Administrative-Territorial Division of Local Government Units in the Republic of Albania”.
Under the new territorial division, 33 municipalities will remain unchanged, while 28 others will undergo territorial reorganisation. As part of the process, 15 municipalities will lose their status and be incorporated into larger local government units.
Specifically, Fushë-Arrëz will merge with Pukë, Klos with Mat, and Rrogozhinë with Kavajë. In Berat County, Dimal and Poliçan will be incorporated into the municipality of Berat.
In Elbasan County, Cërrik and Belsh will be merged into the municipality of Elbasan, while Përrenjas will become part of Librazhd. In Fier County, Patos will be incorporated into the municipality of Fier and Divjakë into Lushnjë.
Under the new administrative structure, Albania will be divided into 46 municipalities, comprising 71 towns and 387 administrative units. Each municipality will have a single mayor, municipal council, administration and budget, while the towns will play a role in administrative coordination and service organisation.
The reform aims to improve territorial administration, financial management and the delivery of public services to citizens, while strengthening the financial autonomy of local government and enhancing its administrative capacity.
According to the rationale behind the reform, the reorganisation is also intended to bring the territorial division in line with demographic changes and the requirements of the European integration process./sm/
