Ersilia Katрави
At the same time, municipal administrations that decide to begin the merger process on or before August 30, 2026, will be able to continue the procedure until its completion.
According to the author of the amendment, this measure is necessary to avoid overlapping the voluntary merger processes with the general reform of the administrative-territorial structure scheduled for the fall of 2026. As noted in the explanatory memorandum, this will prevent unnecessary administrative costs and potential disputes regarding property management, the organization of public services, and the distribution of powers among local government bodies.
The amendment also references the Venice Commission’s recommendations regarding the need for stability in electoral rules. According to these principles, key elements of the electoral system should not be changed shortly before elections are held.
After the 2027 general local elections, potential initiatives for voluntary amalgamation may be reconsidered in light of the new administrative-territorial structure, as well as updated institutional, demographic, and financial data.
What does von Hebel have to do with this?
The opposition criticized the adoption of the amendment, calling it “von Hebel-2.” Lawmakers drew a parallel with previous legislative changes, when the PAS parliamentary majority reduced the number of votes required to appoint members of the commissions for the external evaluation of prosecutors and judges from 61 to 51. According to the opposition, in this case as well, the change was introduced as an amendment to a bill originally devoted to a different topic.
Follow our updates
