Just a short time after leaving the post of deputy mayor of Tirana Municipality, Blendi Sulaj has sent a clear political signal: he not only thanks Prime Minister Edi Rama for his support, but also openly positions himself alongside the Socialist Party and Ogerta Manastirliu in the race for the capital. In his public reaction, he avoids any explanation for his dismissal and instead chooses to speak about his record, his relationships with leaders, and his new electoral engagement.
Reaction after leaving office
Sulaj, who held the post of deputy mayor responsible for territorial control, reacted through a social media post after being dismissed by Mayor Erion Veliaj.
Rather than focusing on the reasons for his removal, the former municipal official chose to give an account of his one-year period in office and convey messages of thanks to the local administration.
Words of appreciation for the municipal administration
In his message, Sulaj expressed appreciation for the deputy mayors, directorate heads, sector chiefs, and employees of Tirana Municipality.
According to him, they work every day for the citizens, often even under less than normal working conditions. This was one of the few elements he chose to emphasize, while remaining silent about the background to his departure from the post.
Thanks to Rama and an emphasis on interventions in the territory
In the same reaction, Sulaj thanked Edi Rama for the trust and support during the time he served in Tirana Municipality.
He singled out, in his version, the commitment to freeing public spaces and demolishing illegal constructions, two interventions that have long been presented by the government and local authorities as part of their action in the territory.
Ogerta Manastirliu moves to the center of the message
The most political part of the reaction is linked to the next step Sulaj says he will take. He declared that he will dedicate himself to the electoral challenge in support of the Socialist Party and Ogerta Manastirliu.
With this appearance, the former deputy mayor not only confirms his political alignment after his dismissal, but also places Manastirliu’s name at the center of the discussion over Tirana Municipality.
Sulaj’s message leaves out one key point: why he was dismissed from office. Instead of clarifying his departure, he has chosen to close his chapter at the municipality with thanks to the government and a direct declaration for the SP’s campaign in the capital.
This shifts attention from decision-making inside Tirana Municipality to the next political move, at a time when every public signal from its former officials is also read as part of the contest for control of the capital.