The ruling Socialist Party is moving quickly to advance its controversial territorial reform, despite strong objections from opposition parties and local groups.

The parliamentary process begins Monday in the Conference of Chairpersons, followed by the Legal Affairs Committee, which is expected to approve the work calendar. The Socialists plan to bring the reform to a plenary vote on October 8, aiming to secure the 84 votes needed.

Under the proposal, the number of municipalities would be reduced from 61 to 46, merging 15 existing ones including Fushë?Arrëz, Klos, Rrogozhina, Patos, Divjaka, and others. Hearings with the government, municipal associations, and governance experts are scheduled for September 28, all in a single day.

The Democratic Party has countered with its own plan to expand the map to 100 municipalities and has challenged the majority to put both proposals to a referendum.

Sources say the deadline for final approval is October 15, to allow sufficient time for preparations ahead of next year’s local elections.