Under the proposal, 28 municipalities would be consolidated into 13 new municipalities. The municipalities proposed for merger are Fushë-Arrëz, Klos, Rrogozhinë, Dimal, Poliçan, Patos, Divjakë, Selenicë, Maliq, Këlcyrë, Memaliaj, Libohovë, Cërrik, Belsh and Përrenjas.

The new model would retain the municipality as the sole unit of local self-government, with a single mayor, council, administration and budget. The main change is the creation of a new level of local governance called the “City”, replacing the current “Municipality – Administrative Unit” structure with a “Municipality – City – Administrative Unit” model.

According to the explanatory memorandum accompanying the draft law, the city would play a clearer role in planning, representation and the organization of public services, while being headed by a deputy mayor responsible for administrative coordination.

If approved, the reform would establish a new structure consisting of 46 municipalities, 71 constituent cities and 387 administrative units. In addition, 20 of the new municipalities would include more than one city.