The debate on territorial reform and the possibility of merging small municipalities has brought reactions from local mayors and representatives of local communities, who oppose this idea, while they have launched a protest. Analyst Ben Andoni, in an interview for News24, considers it important that the public is aware of such a reform, while saying that responsibility for the situation of small municipalities is also related to the way of governance and the vote of citizens.
"I am glad that the public has become aware of such reforms. I am happy. The opposition is also to blame for this, as Mr. Basha and Berisha withdrew. Many small municipalities are going bankrupt. The citizens themselves are to blame for this, as they voted for politics," he said.
According to Andoni, the Democratic Party has suffered a strong political blow, while also criticizing local leaders for a lack of transparency towards citizens.
"For the first time, the DP has taken a major blow. Even mayors should be transparent to their citizens, regardless of their beliefs. Most of them have hidden their heads like ostriches and are now coming out when Mr. Rama is in great difficulty," the analyst claimed.
The analyst said that the opposition's proposal for reform is now expected, while emphasizing that citizens in small areas should think more about their interests than about political beliefs or local connections.
"Now we will wait for the draft of the DP. The Albanian citizen, in small countries, must become clear about his own interests, as he votes with clans, with tribes, politically.", Andoni emphasized. Commenting on the expected draft of the Socialist Party for the reform, Andoni stated that it can be adapted according to electoral interests.
"I believe that their draft will be redistributed and patched, so that it is closer to their electoral interests," he stressed. According to him, the Socialist Party has lost some of its support at the local level and this may be reflected in the upcoming elections.
"I think it has lost local government. I believe this lead in votes for the SP will make a difference. I think that now citizens will think about their interests," Andoni added. Andoni stressed that every municipality or region can function if it is managed by capable and responsible people. "Every municipality or region has the opportunity to have the ability, if it will hire capable people," he said.
