Protests against Albania's proposed territorial reform continued on Saturday, with residents of Belsh demonstrating against plans to merge their municipality into the larger Elbasan Municipality under a draft presented by the ruling Socialist Party.

Holding banners reading "Belsh is not just a number" and "You are erasing Belsh," protesters called for the municipality to retain its current status. A petition opposing the reform has also been launched in the town.

Under the proposal, the municipalities of Cërrik, Elbasan and Belsh would be merged into a single Elbasan Municipality.

The draft has triggered demonstrations across several parts of the country since its publication. On Friday, similar protests were held in Prrenjas, Dimal, Klos and Memaliaj, where residents and local officials voiced opposition to the planned municipal mergers.