Tensions at Albanian Parliament over territorial reform

TIRANA, ALBANIA – OCTOBER 8, 2026: Citizens, local activists and supporters of the opposition gather outside the Albanian Parliament as lawmakers debate and vote on proposed changes to the country’s administrative-territorial division. The reform proposes reducing the number of municipalities from 61 to 46 through the merger of 15 existing municipalities, including Divjakë, Poliçan and Memaliaj. Residents and representatives of municipalities affected by the proposed changes joined the protest, calling for their municipalities to be preserved. Protesters displayed banners and slogans opposing the proposed mergers. Tensions escalated between protesters and police, with reports of eggs and smoke-producing devices being thrown and police using tear gas and pepper spray. Several people received first aid after being affected by the spray. Protesters also set fire to garbage bins during the confrontation. The demonstration took place as Parliament considered the proposed territorial reform. Photo by Vlasov Sulaj / JNA Press. (Photo by Vlasov Sulaj/JNA Press via Nexpher Images)