The Democratic Party has published its proposal for a new territorial reform, which envisages increasing the number of municipalities from the current 61 to 100 municipalities, restoring some administrative units as separate municipalities and dividing the country’s largest municipalities.
The new proposed map, according to the DP, aims to bring local government closer to citizens, through the creation of smaller administrative units. The number of municipalities increases by 39 units, going from the current 61 municipalities to 100 municipalities.
The new municipalities that are being added are: Velipojë, Drivast (Drishti), Koplik, Bicaj, Shishtavec, Bregu i Matës, Orosh, Zadrimë, Mamurras, Rubik, Sukth, Fushë-Krujë, Lura, Klos, Shupenza, Kastriot, Petrelë, Kashar, Dajt, Arbanë, Ndroq, Ardenicë, Fiershegan, Dushk, Fratar, Cakran, Frakull, Bradashesh, Shpat, Shpirag, Otllak, Bilisht, Ersekë, Leskovik, Voskopoje, Mokër, Libohovë, Novoselë, Amantia, Orikum and Ksamil.
The most important change in the proposed map affects Tirana. From a single municipality, the capital is divided into six municipalities: Tirana, Kashar, Dajt, Petrelë, Arbanë, Ndroq. In this way, according to the DP, part of the peripheral and rural areas of the capital will be administered by separate municipalities, while the Municipality of Tirana will cover the central area.
The Shkodra region also undergoes one of the biggest changes. In addition to the Shkodra Municipality, the following are created: Velipojë, Drivast (DRISHTI), and Koplik (separating from Malësia e Madhe). This brings the area into four large local municipalities.
Another important change is foreseen in Fier. In addition to the existing municipalities, the following will be created: Frakull, Cakran, Ardenicë, Fiershegan. While Mallakastra will be separated with the creation of the Fratar Municipality.
In the southeast, the reform proposes the creation of several new municipalities: Bilisht, Ersekë, Leskovik, Voskopoje and Mokër. Meanwhile, Korça, Maliqi and Pogradec continue to remain separate municipalities.
In the Vlora region, in addition to the Municipality of Vlora, the following municipalities are also being created: Orikum, Novoselë, Amantia. Meanwhile, in the south of the country, the creation of the Municipality of Ksamil is proposed, which is separated from Saranda. The Municipality of Libohova is also being restored.
In northern and central Albania, the project foresees: Lezha is divided with the creation of Bregu i Matë and Zadrima. Mirdita is divided with the creation of Rubik and Oroshi. Kurbini is divided with the creation of Mamurras.
Durrës is divided with the creation of the Sukth Municipality. Kruja is divided with the creation of the Fushë-Krujë Municipality.
In the Berat region, two new municipalities are being created: Shpirag and Otllak! While in Elbasan, Bradashesh and Shpat are being created. These municipalities are being separated from the current units with the aim of creating an administration closer to the communities.
