Muzaka said the new territorial division safeguards community identity and citizens’ access to services. He emphasised that the reform’s goal is stronger municipalities, closer administrations and more professional service delivery — standards against which its success will be assessed after 2027.

Muzaka stressed that the reform is not simply about redrawing Albania’s administrative map, but represents a further step in strengthening local government. He said the objective is clear: municipalities must be stronger and equipped with greater capacity to exercise their functions and deliver better services to citizens.

According to Deputy Interior Minister, ‘the reform reduces Albania’s current 61 municipalities to 46, alongside 71 towns and 387 administrative units, while retaining all 12 counties. He specified that 28 existing municipalities will be consolidated into 13, with no new municipalities created through further division.”

Muzaka emphasised that the reform is not defined merely by the number of municipalities, but goes beyond boundaries. He said the municipality remains the basic unit of local governance, with the reform aiming to preserve identity, representation and community ties while ensuring greater capacity at the municipal centre.

Deputy Interior Minister underlined that adoption of the draft law does not mark the end of the reform, as the Local Self‑Government Law must also be adapted to define clearly the status and functions of cities, and the relationship between municipalities, cities and administrative units. He added that proportional representation of constituent cities and the administrative organisation of municipalities with more than one city must likewise be determined.

Muzaka said local government bodies elected in 2023 will continue to operate under the current territorial division until the new structures are constituted after the 2027 elections. He noted that the 2027 vote will be held on the basis of the new territorial configuration, and stressed the need for careful preparation of the transition of administrations, assets, contracts, documentation, archives, information systems, budgets and financial obligations, without disrupting services to citizens.

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