The meeting of the Maliq Municipal Council has highlighted a position that unites Democrats and Socialists at the local level: opposition to the proposal for the merger of the Municipality of Maliq with Korça.
The meeting, called by the opposition to hold an official position of the Municipal Council on the proposal, was accompanied by tensions and clashes between opposition councilors and the mayor of Maliq, Gëzim Topçiu.
Socialist councilors left the meeting after a few minutes, arguing that more information on the proposal is needed before the Council can make a decision. However, even among the local socialists, reservations have been expressed about the idea of merging Maliq with Korça.
Citizens also joined the meeting, demanding explanations from the Mayor of Maliq, Gëzim Topçiu.
Several opposition MPs were also present, who opposed the proposal, arguing that merging Maliq with Korça would remove services from citizens, especially from residents of areas located at a considerable distance from Korça.
The debate on territorial reform has thus created an unusual political situation in Maliq, where local democrats and socialists are expressing reservations about a proposal coming from the majority.
