“Territorial reform” in Parliament, Berisha: We will make every effort so it does not pass, not a single vote from the DP

Democratic Party chairman Sali Berisha declared that the opposition will vote against the draft law on the administrative-territorial reform, which is expected to be reviewed today in Parliament. Berisha said that no DP MP will vote for the draft law, while he also warned of opposition to it through protests.

In a statement to the media before the start of the plenary session, Berisha described the reform as one-sided and unconstitutional, declaring that the opposition will use all parliamentary and political means to oppose its adoption.

“You will be here. The opposition will defend the citizen’s interests to the end. We will make every effort so that the reform does not pass, and we will explain to Albanians what this reform represents, how their interests are violated for Edi Rama’s seat, how Edi Rama, before the end of his rule, is capable of undertaking any act. Not a single vote from the DP, no DP MP votes for that draft law,” Berisha declared, responding to journalists’ interest in whether there were Democratic MPs who might support the reform.

According to the DP leader, the opposition will continue to oppose the reform and will explain to citizens its stance on the new territorial map.

The opposition to the territorial reform is also expected to be accompanied by protests. The opposition has announced mobilization during the plenary session, opposing the draft law proposed by the Socialist Party. The draft law expected to be reviewed today envisages reducing the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46.

The reform has sparked opposition objections, with the opposition arguing that the new territorial map is one-sided and does not guarantee, in its view, the representation of citizens’ interests.

Because of the announced protests, the State Police has taken increased security measures near the premises of Parliament. Numerous officers have been deployed at the entrances and roads leading to the Parliament building, while developments around the session are expected to be accompanied by political tensions and protests.