Media report that Veliaj signed an order revoking the temporary delegation of mayoral duties in Tirana.

Under the new order, which repeals the prior act, Deputy Mayor Anuela Ristani no longer exercises the delegated powers of the Mayor of Tirana.

The order justifies this by noting that the elected Mayor of Tirana’s mandate remains legally valid, as confirmed by two Constitutional Court rulings. The Court’s latest decision establishes a new framework for the municipality, requiring all delegated powers to align fully with the elected Mayor’s authority.

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This decision guarantees fair access to the Municipality of Tirana’s reconstruction program, protecting the right to housing for all affected families.

Acting Mayor of Tirana Anuela Ristani stated that, “This decision closes a chapter on a years-long problem by providing a solution for families left out of the assistance scheme. Through extensive institutional dialogue and detailed local groundwork, we have identified 375 affected families. Although this number may evolve as pending legal and administrative reviews conclude, all identified families will be treated under the exact same conditions as those already registered in the system”.

This decision ensures no family affected by the 2019 earthquake is excluded from the reconstruction program due to missed deadlines. The municipality guarantees fair treatment and vital support for every verified case. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

The book Women Changing Cities, by authors Melissa and Chris Bruntlett, a publication that carries the stories of women mayors, public leaders, entrepreneurs and activists who are leading new models of urban development in different cities around the world.

In the book, Ristani is listed alongside important names in international urban politics and governance, such as Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris; Claudia López Hernández, former Mayor of Bogotá and the first female mayor of this city; and Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal.

Ristani’s inclusion highlights both her dedication to local governance and Tirana’s role as a leader in sustainable, community-friendly urban development. /e.i/a.f/p.s./

Acting mayor of Tirana Anuela Ristani closely inspected the works, emphasizing that the reconstructed premises will provide safe and decent space for quality education.

“Even before the earthquake, the school failed to meet city standards. However, the post-earthquake reconstruction has transformed it into a modern, united institution (9-year and high school) featuring air-conditioned classrooms, a state-of-the-art gym, advanced laboratories, and vibrant recreational spaces”, said Ristani.

Further on, the acting mayor of the Municipality of Tirana said that the works will finish before the new school year starts, with additional preschool services under consideration.

The reconstructed school has a greater capacity, from around 185 to 390 students. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

Deputy Mayor gave the good news about the opening of 5 new schools this year.

“During the current year, we will open 5 new schools built from scratch and 1 fully reconstructed school. The new schools will be “Pjetër Budi”, “Edith Durham”, “Ibrahim Hima” in Vaqarr, “Mersim Duqi” in Bërzhita and the Unified School in Krraba. While the 9-year school “Shyqyri Peza” is being fully reconstructed and will be ready within the current year”, said Ristani.

She added that this year there will begin even construction of new kindergartens and nurseries in the capital.

Deputy Mayor said that the focus of efforts will be on the children who do not have the financial means to eat well and therefore the Municipality of Tirana will provide financial compensation. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

“We want this historic event that will promote our city in the international media to be joyful and enjoyable for all citizens of Tirana. Therefore, we will ask for everyone’s cooperation. Some of Tirana’s main roads will be blocked for car traffic, while public transport has been diverted. We would like people to consult in advance the itinerary they should choose, before going to work and school. All our kindergartens and nurseries will continue to remain open and for those parents who will have difficulty picking up their children at the usual times, our staff will be there with extended hours”, said Ristani.

In addition to cooperation, she also underlined the importance of informing and consulting with the website of the Municipality of Tirana, to make the “Giro d’Italia” a beautiful experience and to be enjoyed by everyone.

“We want this to be a memorable experience for everyone. Please consult our pages to see the blocked roads and the times when they will be blocked for cars and enjoy the Giro d’Italia throughout the weekend”, concluded Ristani.

“Giro d’Italia” starts at “Skanderbeg” Square in Tirana, on May 9 at 13:00, to continue the itinerary in the other two cities, that are Durrës and Vlora. It will end at “Mother Teresa” Square, where the cyclists are expected to arrive around 18:00. /j.p/p.s./

The square, which serves as a bridge connecting the New Bazaar with the inner ring road of Tirana via “Hoxha Tahsim” and “Tefta Tashko-Koço” streets, constitutes an area of ​​great significance in the development of the capital, as a key attractive point.

Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Acting Mayor of Tirana Anuela Ristani inspected the works for implementation of the new two-storey underground parking project and rehabilitation of the facades of buildings at the “Avni Rustemi” square.

Rama said that the issue of parking will take the priority, especially in tourist areas.

The prime minister emphasized that there should be a quick financing that covers as many needs as possible, since the history of parking is becoming a big problem. And intervention is needed at main crucial spots.

Meanwhile, Rama emphasized that on the other hand, there must be established a rule on double parking.

On her part, Ristani informed that the work has been divided into two segments in order not to block traffic. Once the works on the first half are finished, we will continue with the other segment”. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

Mayor Erion Veliaj delegated his office to Ristani who until now has served as Deputy Mayor.

Sources from the Municipality of Tirana confirmed to ATA that Veliaj delegated the office to Ristani.

Mayor Veliaj was arrested yesterday by decision of the Court against Organized Crime and Corruption. /r.e/a.f/p.s./