“I took office as mayor in 2015 and one of the pressing issues back then was the garbage situation compelling the govt. to announce environmental emergency especially in Tirana,” he said.

Asked if he knew the citizens Mirel Mërtiri, Klodian Zoto and Stela Gugallja, Veliaj said that he had seen them in the photo with Gert Bogdani who was at that time the head of foreign relations in the Democratic Party.

“I have not made any trip with these people but I have been informed through websites and media outlets about their trip with DP officials. I have not discussed any contracts, as I said, I have been informed by the media about the trips of these people with DP officials,” he said.
Tabaku asked the mayor that on 27.3.2017, he had accepted Bllako’s request for the Tirana incinerator. Which point of the law on local government authorizes you to do this as mayor of Tirana?

Veliaj replied that he is authorized by point 12 of article 21 of law no. 10463, dated 22.9.2011 on integrated waste management amended. And point 12 says that the heads of Local Government Units are responsible for the management of waste generated in the administrative territory under their responsibility.

“I have acted in accordance with the law that most of you have adopted in Parliament and I have stuck by the task for a clean Tirana in light of the dire garbage situation I found upon taking office,” said Veliaj.
/sm/