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Albanian President Bajram Begaj Enacts New Territorial Reform Law
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has promulgated a new law on the country’s administrative-territorial division, paving the way for a reduction in the number of municipalities from 61 to 46.
The new territorial structure is expected to take effect in the local elections scheduled for May 9, 2027, when voters will elect mayors and municipal councils in the newly established 46 municipalities. Albania’s 12 existing counties will remain unchanged.
The presidential decree, issued pursuant to Articles 84(1) and 93 of the Constitution, promulgates Law No. 100/2026, “On the Administrative-Territorial Division of Local Government Units in the Republic of Albania.”
Under the new arrangement, 33 municipalities will retain their existing boundaries, while 28 others will be affected by the territorial reorganisation. Fifteen municipalities will lose their independent status and become part of larger local government units.
The municipalities set to be merged are Fushë-Arrëz, Klos, Rrogozhinë, Dimal, Poliçan, Patos, Divjakë, Selenicë, Maliq, Këlcyrë, Memaliaj, Libohovë, Cërrik, Belsh and Përrenjas.
Specifically, Fushë-Arrëz will merge with Pukë, Klos with Mat, and Rrogozhinë with Kavajë. In Berat County, Dimal and Poliçan will become part of Berat Municipality.
In Elbasan County, Cërrik and Belsh will be incorporated into Elbasan Municipality, while Përrenjas will merge with Librazhd. In Fier County, Patos will become part of Fier Municipality and Divjakë will join Lushnjë.
Following the reorganisation, Albania will have 46 municipalities, comprising 71 constituent towns and 387 administrative units. Each municipality will operate with a single mayor, municipal council, administration and budget, while the constituent towns will retain roles in administrative coordination and the organisation of public services.
The reform aims to improve territorial administration, public financial management and the delivery of services to citizens. It also seeks to strengthen the financial autonomy of local government and increase administrative capacity.
According to the rationale behind the reform, the new territorial structure is also intended to reflect demographic changes and better accommodate the requirements of Albania’s European Union integration process.
The reorganisation represents a significant change to Albania’s local government structure, with its implementation set to coincide with the next municipal elections in May 2027.
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