Albania’s Parliament approved the country’s new territorial reform at 1:15 a.m. on Friday, following a marathon session marked by heated exchanges between the ruling majority and the opposition, as protests took place outside the parliamentary building.

In the final vote, 85 lawmakers voted in favor of the reform, paving the way for the adoption of the measure after hours of parliamentary debate.

The vote came amid political tensions inside Parliament and demonstrations outside the building, highlighting the divisions surrounding the proposed territorial changes.

The new reform provides for a major reorganization of local government, reducing the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. 

The proposed system will consist of 46 municipalities, 71 cities and 387 administrative units.

The model introduces a clearer distinction between municipalities, constituent cities and administrative units, while retaining the municipality as the main local government body.

The reform's stated objectives include strengthening local government capacity, improving public services and creating greater opportunities for investment.

The next local elections are expected to take place under the new territorial map.