The new territorial reform seems to be bringing discontent even within the ranks of the Socialist Party, especially in municipalities that risk losing their status. After the reactions in Poliçan and the resignation of the head of the SP in this municipality, Erjon Zylyftari, the contradictions are shifting to Patos.
Suela Hoxha, a member of the Patos Municipal Council from the ranks of the Socialist Party and former chairwoman of the socialist branch in the years 2022-2024, has openly come out against the new territorial division. In a statement requested by Newsbomb.al, Hoxha says that Patos does not deserve to lose its municipal status, calling such a decision unfair.
“Regarding the Administrative-Territorial Reform, Patos also disagrees. As a citizen of Patos, as a current member of the SP Municipal Council in Patos and as a former chairwoman of the SP branch in Patos (2022-2024), I do not agree with this division. The city of oil workers does not deserve this and it is unfair,” she says.
The socialist councilor has also made her position clear on Facebook, where this time she says that she speaks beyond political beliefs and only as a citizen of Patos.
“Today I am speaking only as a citizen of Patos. Beyond any political conviction, I do not agree that Patos should lose its municipality status. This is not simply an administrative change. It is a decision that affects the history, identity and future of a city that has given much to Albania.
It is sad that Patos’ voice has not been heard. I am convinced that our city has not had the representation it deserves at the tables where such important decisions are made.
Losing the status of municipality is not just a matter of name. It means less decision-making for Patos, less weight in representation, the risk that investments and priorities will shift towards larger centers and that the problems of our city will not receive the attention they deserve. Citizens may feel further away from the institutions that serve them and the voice of the community will have less influence.
“Patos is not a dot on the map you show. It is our history, our identity and a city that deserves to be respected,” Hoxha writes.