The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, has come out against the way the Administrative-Territorial Reform is being carried out, demanding the suspension of the final review of the draft law for the new map.
Through a letter addressed to MPs, Veliaj explains that he is not against the revision of the territorial map, but opposes the procedure followed, arguing that citizens affected by the border change should be consulted in advance.
According to Veliaj, the draft law was drafted and filed with the new territorial division, while the opinion of citizens is sought only after the solution has been formulated. He warns that in this way the consultation risks turning into a formality for a previously prepared project.
The mayor also specifically mentions Tirana, as the project foresees the inclusion of the administrative unit of Rinas in the territory of the capital. Veliaj demands that before making a decision, there be a full assessment of the impact that this change will have on the population, services, finances, properties and local administration.
In conclusion, Veliaj requests the suspension of the final review of the draft law until a real consultation with citizens is held, the results of which should also have the potential to influence the change of the proposed map.
"When the Constitution requires that citizens be heard, our duty is to create the conditions for them to speak for themselves and then listen to them," Veliaj concludes.
