Citizens, local activists and opposition supporters gathered outside Albania’s Parliament in Tirana on October 8, 2026, as lawmakers considered proposed changes to the country’s administrative-territorial division.
The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities from 61 to 46 through mergers affecting 15 municipalities, including Divjakë, Poliçan and Memaliaj. Residents and representatives of affected communities demanded that their municipalities be preserved, displaying slogans including “Dissolve the government, not the municipalities.”
Demonstrations took place near the Parliament entrance on the Toptani shopping centre side and near the Namazgja Mosque. Confrontations developed at police cordons, with some protesters throwing eggs, bottles and smoke-producing devices. Police used pepper spray and tear gas, while several people received first aid. Garbage bins were also set alight during the confrontation.
