Socialist Party lawmaker Erion Braçe has raised strong reservations about Albania’s proposed territorial reform, arguing that the draft fails to deliver meaningful decentralization and a genuine transfer of power to local government.

Speaking in Parliament, Braçe said many of the powers presented as new responsibilities for municipalities were largely formal and would have little practical impact on local communities. He also questioned how authority would be distributed not only between the central government and municipalities, but also between mayors and administrative units.

“For me, the key issue is the transfer of power — giving up power to strengthen those who are in daily contact with citizens,” Braçe said, arguing that local government should be given greater authority and responsibility.

Braçe also criticized the political process behind the reform, saying Albania’s territorial map should not be shaped according to the interests of the ruling majority or individual political parties.

Addressing Prime Minister Edi Rama’s warning that he could be removed from the Socialist parliamentary group if he voted against the reform, Braçe said the issue raised broader concerns about internal democracy within the party.

“Being told to vote the way the majority does is not democracy,” Braçe said, describing such pressure as a distortion of democratic debate within the Socialist Party.

Braçe added that he would support a territorial reform designed to improve governance and strengthen local institutions, but argued that the current proposal represents a missed opportunity for a more substantial decentralization process.