The new Plan for the Administrative-Territorial Reform is provoking strong reactions and open political tensions, especially in the Municipality of Poliçan, where the proposal for the merger of this local unit and its unification with the Municipality of Berat has created a high spirit of revolt.
It is expected that the institutional reaction will take official form tomorrow at an urgent meeting of the local government, where the position against this proposal will be expressed.
Tensions and the burning of SP cards
The new reform has caused a great revolt among the local socialist base. Unhappy with the decision to merge the municipality, many structures and supporters of the Socialist Party in Poliçan have taken to open protests. In a sign of revolt against the official line of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the protesters have publicly burned the party's cards, declaring that the decision violates the interests of the community and local representation.
This situation has led to a bitter clash between Prime Minister Edi Rama and the socialist mayor of Poliçan, Adriatik Zotkaj. The clash between them reflects the deep division regarding the reorganization of the territorial map, where Zotkaj and local structures categorically reject the assimilation of Poliçan from Berat.
Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Mayor of Poliçan, Adriatik Zotkaj, were involved in a clash during a closed-door meeting in Kuç, Vlora, on the new territorial reform.
Debate about the Policeman: Rama told Zotkaj that he should not attend the meeting after he had committed the "shameless act of burning the SP card". Zotkaj countered by calling the decision to dissolve the municipality that has voted left-wing for 25 years a true act of shamelessness, and then left the meeting.
Official announcement for the Municipal Council meeting
The Poliçan Municipality Council has officially called an extraordinary meeting for Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM, in the premises of the Municipal Council hall.
The meeting, signed by the Council Chairwoman Mimoza Lulaj and Secretary Lindita Kondi, is based on Article 53 (points 2 and 4) of Law No. 139/2015 "On Local Self-Government".
Agenda: "On the expression of the opinion and institutional position of the Poliçan Municipal Council, on the proposal for the merger of the Poliçan Municipality and its merger with the Berat Municipality, within the framework of the Administrative-Territorial Reform."
