The Maliq Municipal Council meeting was marked by tensions and heated debate on Thursday, as councillors were expected to make a decision on a proposal to dissolve the Municipality of Maliq and merge it with the Municipality of Korça.
Opposition councillors called for a unanimous vote against the dissolution of the Municipality of Maliq, while majority councillors requested more time to review the draft law and discuss its provisions. Under these circumstances, the Municipal Council meeting ended without a final decision.
The arguments continued after the meeting ended. One of the citizens attending the meeting, who was carrying a walking stick, became involved in a physical altercation and pushed the Chairman of the Maliq Municipal Council, Ornildi Demollari.
Opposition MPs Ledina Alolli and Tedi Blushi described Thursday’s meeting as following a predetermined scenario and called on citizens to speak out against the proposal to dissolve the Municipality of Maliq. According to them, Maliq should continue to operate as a separate local government unit. “The unprecedented meeting of the Maliq Municipal Council has just ended. The municipal councillors should have clearly expressed their position on the Socialist Party’s proposal. Ninety-five percent of residents have spoken out against merging Maliq with Korça, and we expected an official decision to be taken. This is a scenario orchestrated by Niko Peleshi and Gëzim Topçiu. The councillors come here and ask for further information. Niko Peleshi and Gëzim Topçiu have met with Rama, so what further information are they asking for?”, said Opposition MPs Ledina Alolli.
Public hearings have been held for several consecutive days across the administrative units of the Municipality of Maliq. According to the discussions held during these meetings, the majority of residents have expressed opposition to a merger with the Municipality of Korça.
Meanwhile, Socialist representatives in the Municipality of Maliq have yet to publicly state a clear position on the proposal to change the administrative boundaries.
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