Erion Braçe has publicly commented on the name of Arbër Hajdari as a rumored candidate for the Municipality of Tirana, but without lining up behind direct support. The Socialist MP indicated that, for him, the issue comes down to a standard often missing in Albanian parties: real competition within the political force.
Braçe: open only if there is competition
In a television interview, Braçe was asked about Arbër Hajdari’s rumored candidacy for Tirana and chose not to give direct political backing. He said he is open only if there is competition for the candidate within the Socialist Party.
No lengthy statements were used in his remarks, but the political message was clear: candidacies should go through competition and not be treated as names decided in advance behind closed doors.
A message to Socialists before the wider public
Braçe said he was setting aside the question about Arbër Hajdari somewhat in order to speak first with Socialists and then with the citizens of Tirana. According to him, anyone with political ambition should be seen as a potential candidate.
This wording leaves room for more than one name in play and avoids the idea of an uncontested candidacy. At its core, he placed the emphasis on the process, not the individual.
Reference to the model of competition within the party
To support his argument, Braçe gave the example of a contest first held within the party in the United States, underlining that the candidate must first pass the test of internal competition.
In political terms, this is seen as a position against top-down appointments, a practice for which parties in the country have been repeatedly criticized, especially when it comes to heavyweight posts such as the Municipality of Tirana.
From the debate on Tirana to broader criticism
In the same appearance, Braçe also touched on other issues within political and institutional life. He spoke out against exclusions, saying that everyone is free to stay or leave.
The MP also spoke about the harsh climate on social media, the prices of everyday products such as tomatoes, and the difficulties that, according to him, appear in institutions when issues are raised that affect decision-making and signatures in commissions. These comments shifted the discussion beyond one specific name, toward the way politics and the administration function.
Braçe’s statement does not close the debate on Tirana, but it does shift the focus to the way candidates are selected in the Socialist Party.
Whether there will be real internal competition or simply a political formality remains the point that will determine how serious this publicly declared standard really is.