In the city of Cerrik, a petition has been signed against the proposal for a new administrative-territorial division. Residents of the city and surrounding areas have spoken out against the merger of Cerrik with the Municipality of Elbasan, demanding that Cerrik continue to function as a separate municipality.
The initiative was taken by organizers and citizens who oppose the proposed change to the administrative map. According to them, merging with Elbasan would remove services and decision-making from the citizens of Cërrik, while maintaining the municipality would guarantee, according to them, more direct representation and administration closer to the community.
The petition signing has begun in the city and is expected to continue in the coming days, with the aim of gathering as much support as possible from residents. Organizers say that the document, once the signature collection process is complete, will be forwarded to local and international institutions, as part of an effort to oppose the proposed territorial change.
Residents say that Cerrik needs to preserve its identity and administrative structure, while opposing inclusion in a larger municipality.
The proposal to change the administrative-territorial map has also opened debate in other areas of the Elbasan Region. In this region, the majority's proposal foresees changes in three municipalities: Cërriku and Belshi will merge with Elbasan, while Prrenjas is proposed to merge with Librazhd.
The proposal has met with opposition from residents of these municipalities. In Cërrik, Belsh and Prrenjas, civic organizations and opposition initiatives have been developed, while citizens have demanded that the voice of the communities be taken into consideration before a final decision is made.
For the residents of Cerrik, the issue is not only related to administrative borders, but also to how public services will be provided, how close the administration will be to citizens, and what impact the proposed unification will have on the economic and social development of the area.
Meanwhile, as part of the consultation process for the new administrative-territorial division, hearings with citizens have already begun. Municipalities are holding meetings with communities to obtain their positions and proposals regarding possible changes.
The objections raised in Cërrik, Belsh and Prrenjas show that the proposal to reformat the map of local units in the Elbasan Region is being accompanied by strong debate at the local level.
The residents of Cerrik say they will continue signing the petition and demand that their request for the preservation of Cerrik Municipality be taken into consideration during the consultation and decision-making process.
Pending the completion of public hearings and consultations, civic opposition in Cërrik is expected to continue, while the petition will serve as another form of expressing the community's stance against the proposed unification with Elbasan.
