The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, said that the parliamentary majority will vote on Thursday to approve the territorial reform.
Speaking to reporters, Balla said the country needs stronger municipalities with higher revenues, while calling on the Democratic Party to take part in discussions on the issue.
“A vote in favour by the Socialist Party is among the political decisions for which all MPs are required to be present and vote. Everyone has their own concerns, and you rightly mentioned our colleague Sinaj. It is one thing to have your own discussions and another to have an obligation to vote in line with the parliamentary group’s decision. The decision of the Socialist Party parliamentary group is that all MPs must vote in favour.
“We need strong municipalities. Albania is not the only country that needs to take such steps. Larger municipalities generate more revenue. The aim is to have municipalities with higher revenues. During parliamentary group meetings, MPs express their views, but afterwards it becomes a political decision. My call to the Democratic Party parliamentary group is to take part in the discussions. Let them bring forward their proposals,” he said.
The Socialist Party’s draft proposal provides for reducing the number of municipalities from 61 to 46 by merging 15 municipalities.
The territorial reform requires 84 votes to be approved by Parliament.
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