Edi Rama unveils crackdown on public space grabbers, signals start of territorial reform
Two months ahead of forming his fourth consecutive government, Prime Minister Edi Rama has identified the fight against illegal occupation of public spaces and better control of territory as a top national priority. A comprehensive territorial reform is now being drafted, aiming to address longstanding issues of unlawful construction and misuse of community areas.
Why is this important: For over 30 years, unauthorized buildings and encroachments by private businesses have remained a persistent problem in Albania. Despite numerous campaigns and enforcement actions over the years, the phenomenon has not only endured but often flourished once those operations concluded. This latest initiative aims to end the cycle of inaction through permanent legal and institutional reform.
Context: Spurred by growing citizen complaints, Rama recently launched a “zero tolerance” campaign against illegal occupation of public space. Newly elected MPs have been instructed to collaborate with local authorities to map out violations across their constituencies and compile a report for the prime minister.
The warning period is now underway. After this, violators will face strict sanctions including fines, criminal charges, and potential seizure of businesses found operating illegally on public land. On Wednesday, Rama reaffirmed his position via a post on X, vowing that “tolerance will be zero for grabbed land at the expense of communities and permits granted in violation of city interests, enabled by local governments.”
Rama also acknowledged that the problem is systemic, pointing to municipal inspectorates and local police as often complicit actors. He pledged that the upcoming territorial reform will root out these issues through a fundamental overhaul of inspection and development systems.
What else: The government is also working on parallel reforms in water supply, waste management, fuel and medicine distribution, and public healthcare. According to Rama, these will serve as “cornerstones of our fourth term’s path toward Albania 2030 and EU integration.”
Although local elections are not scheduled until 2027, the Socialist Party appears to have already launched its campaign groundwork. Rama has frequently stated that his party never rests after a win—this being their tenth consecutive electoral victory since 2013—and instead begins preparing immediately for the next challenge. Currently, the Socialists govern 53 out of 61 municipalities nationwide.
What’s next: Over the next two weeks, mixed task forces made up of ministers, MPs, local officials, and municipal police will inspect every neighborhood in Tirana. They will document violations, photograph public spaces, and report directly to the Prime Minister. If illegal occupations are not voluntarily removed by August, authorities will begin enforcement through fines, criminal charges, and full-scale operations.
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