Residents in several Albanian municipalities staged protests on Friday against a proposed territorial reform that would significantly reduce the number of local governments, arguing the plan would weaken local representation and erase community identities.

The governing Socialist Party has proposed cutting the number of municipalities from 61 to 46, while the opposition has called for expanding them to 100.

Following earlier demonstrations in Poliçan, protests also took place in Divjakë, Dimal, Përrenjas, Memaliaj and Klos, where residents voiced opposition to the proposed mergers.

In Divjakë, demonstrators rejected plans to merge their municipality with Lushnjë, saying the move would diminish local representation. Residents of Përrenjas similarly opposed a proposal to merge with Librazhd.

In Dimal, protesters objected to plans to incorporate the municipality into Berat, arguing the reform would undermine the area's autonomy. Residents also signed a petition calling for the proposal to be withdrawn.

Citizens in Memaliaj said merging with another municipality would weaken the town's administrative role and local identity, while residents in Klos demanded that their municipality remain independent rather than be merged with Mat.

Across the affected municipalities, protesters warned they would escalate demonstrations if lawmakers move forward with the proposed territorial map.

The territorial reform remains under political debate, with supporters arguing it would improve administrative efficiency, while critics say it risks reducing local representation and weakening the identity of smaller communities.