Tirana city council voted a day ago to remove Veliaj for being absent from office for at least three months, following ongoing legal proceedings.

Speaking at a Socialist Party meeting in Tirana with local MPs and his cabinet members, the government head addressed the issue directly.

“After seven months without an elected mayor actively in office – and without a mayor formally convicted in connection to his duties – we were compelled to take a debated step in relation to Erion Veliaj, but one that was essential for the capital’s functioning,” Rama said.

The Socialist leader added that the dismissal clears the way for new mayoral elections and a full reactivation of the municipal administration.

Responding to criticism from the opposition, Rama accused them of politicizing the issue and failing to defeat Veliaj through electoral or public means.

Acknowledging that there are still unresolved questions surrounding Veliaj’s legal situation, Rama insisted the government has no intention of interfering with the judicial process.

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