Socialist Party lawmaker Elisa Spiropali has voiced strong criticism of the way institutions and political power operate in Albania, as Parliament prepares to vote on a new territorial reform.

Speaking in Parliament, Spiropali questioned whether changing the number or boundaries of municipalities could be considered a genuine reform without greater decentralization and stronger local autonomy.

“Changing the map is easy,” Spiropali said, arguing that the real issue is how much power municipalities should have and whether citizens feel closer to decision-making.

She also called for greater independence for mayors and warned against treating local officials as subordinate to the central government or the ruling party.

Spiropali further criticized Albania’s electoral system, calling for changes that would give voters a clearer choice over individual candidates. She argued that reforms should not be driven solely by the opposition, but should also come from within the governing parties.

“We should not reform only local government, but also the electoral system,” she said, adding that political parties must have the courage to reform themselves.

Spiropali, who is part of the Socialist majority, also appeared to signal that she would vote against the proposed reform, while urging stronger institutions and greater accountability at every level of government.