Dozens of citizens gathered today in front of the Patos Municipality, in protest against the new administrative reform and the proposal for the merger of the Patos Municipality and its unification with the Fier Municipality. “Hands off Patos” was the slogan that united the citizens, who are expressing their opposition to any decision that, according to them, risks violating the identity and future of the city.
They consider this reform another step towards the depopulation of Patos and demand that the voice of the residents be heard before a decision is made on the administrative future of the city. Patos was built and developed on the oil industry, while oilmen have been among the main contributors to its history and development. The protesters state that the city cannot be treated simply as a dot on the map and that they will not allow administrative decisions to affect the identity and future of Patos. The citizens demand that any territorial change be made only after consultation with the community and taking into account the history, contribution and needs of the residents of Patos.
