Prime Minister Edi Rama has come out in defense of the new reform to merge several municipalities, insisting that it is a nationwide intervention rather than one driven by specific local interests. In the official version, citizens are being given assurances that services will continue as they do today, while the process is expected to move forward through consultations with local units and the affected communities.
Briefing meeting with Socialist mayors
The focus of the meeting with municipal leaders was to brief those local units that are expected to be included in the merger, as part of the reform proposed by the Socialist Party.
According to the line presented at the meeting, the discussion focused on explaining the reform and the steps expected to follow at the local level.
The government presents it as a national reform
Rama’s main message was that this should not be seen as a move affecting one specific municipality, but as a reform for the entire country.
This is the framing the government is giving the initiative, at a time when any change to the local map automatically raises questions about the balance of representation, local administration and the actual quality of services.
The 2014 argument returns to the table
To support the project, officials are once again citing the 2014 Administrative-Territorial Reform as a reference point, which according to the government showed that merging municipalities brings greater capacity, better services and more efficient administration.
However, this remains the executive’s argument for justifying the new phase of changes, while the concrete effect of such reforms is measured in implementation on the ground and not only in political promises.
Divjaka and Dimali mentioned as concrete cases
In the examples cited, Divjaka and Dimali are presented as cases where the merger is intended to produce benefits for citizens on both sides.
According to the government, the role of the city will remain clear in the functioning of the new local unit and the services currently provided will not be affected. This is being presented as one of the main guarantees being given to the public.
Consultations promised before the reform moves ahead
The reform, according to the official version, will move forward through consultations with municipalities, communities and other actors involved.
The government is presenting the process as an effort to build a more functional and efficient local organization, but the real weight of these consultations is expected to be measured by the space left for local objections and concerns.
For now, the government is seeking to reassure public opinion that the reform will not affect basic services in the cities that could be included in the merger.
What remains to be seen is whether the consultations will be genuine or merely a formal stage before a predetermined decision.