Albania’s parliament has approved a new territorial-administrative reform that will reduce the number of municipalities from 61 to 46, merging 15 municipalities with neighboring local government units ahead of the 2027 local elections.
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The reform retains the country’s 12 counties while introducing a new administrative structure consisting of 46 municipalities, 71 constituent towns and 387 administrative units. Under the proposed arrangement, the 2027 local elections are expected to be held according to the new territorial map.
Several municipalities across the country will be absorbed into larger neighboring municipalities. Fushë-Arrëz will merge with Pukë, Klos with Mat, and Rrogozhinë with Kavajë. In the Berat region, Dimal and Poliçan will become part of Berat, while Patos will merge with Fier and Divjakë with Lushnjë.
The changes will also affect southern Albania. Selenicë will join Vlorë, Maliq will merge with Korçë, Këlcyra with Përmet, Memaliaj with Tepelenë, and Libohovë with Gjirokastër.
In Elbasan County, Cërrik and Belsh will be incorporated into Elbasan, while Përrenjas will merge with Librazhd.
The reform was approved amid tense scenes in parliament. Members of the opposition Democratic Party (PD) reacted angrily during the proceedings, throwing objects toward Prime Minister Edi Rama, who entered the parliamentary chamber shortly before the vote began.
The confrontation highlighted the political divisions surrounding the territorial reorganization, which could reshape local governance and political competition ahead of the next municipal elections.
The new structure is expected to bring significant changes to the administration of local services, municipal budgets and representation in the affected areas. However, the practical impact will depend on how responsibilities, resources and local administrative offices are reorganized following the mergers.