President Bajram Begaj has signed into law the country’s new administrative-territorial division, formally clearing the way for the controversial reform to enter into force.

The presidential decree was signed on Saturday, October 31. However, Begaj did not accompany his decision with any public arguments or explanation, despite the heated debate and strong opposition the legislation has faced among citizens.

With the presidential decree now issued, the law is set to take effect following its publication in the Official Gazette.

The move also opens the door for Albania’s opposition Democratic Party (DP) to challenge the legislation before the Constitutional Court, as it had previously announced.

The territorial reform was approved by parliament at around 1:00 a.m. on October 9, securing 85 votes in favour after a difficult parliamentary process marked by resistance, including objections from within the governing Socialist Party itself.

Under the new administrative map, Albania will have 46 municipalities. The reform is also expected to shape the upcoming local elections scheduled for May 9, 2027, which are set to be held under the new territorial division.

The legislation has remained a subject of political and public debate, with its implementation and potential constitutional review now emerging as the next key developments.