The latest moves at Tirana City Hall are deepening the political clash and raising questions over the institution’s actual functioning. In this climate, Ilir Alimehmeti, head of the right-wing councillors, has confirmed that he will enter the opposition’s internal race for the candidacy in the capital, while accusing the current municipal leadership of blocking the city.
Dismissals, resignations and signatures from pre-trial detention
After the removal of delegated powers from Anuela Ristani and her resignation from the post of deputy mayor, Erion Veliaj signed another decision from pre-trial detention, this time for the dismissal of deputy mayor Blendi Sulaj.
In the same wave of changes, Eldi Hoxha resigned as Secretary General, while Alban Dokushi returned to the post with Veliaj’s signature. These moves have added to the debate over how the municipality is being administered at a moment considered critical for its functioning.
Opposition speaks of paralysis at City Hall
Ilir Alimehmeti described the situation as a complete paralysis of Tirana City Hall, arguing that the lack of normal leadership is translating directly into a lack of services for citizens.
According to him, the institutional deadlock is no longer only a matter of political clashes at the top of the municipality, but a daily cost for the capital. He called for a return to normality and opposed the idea that the municipality should effectively be run from prison or that its powers should be politically shifted elsewhere.
Calls for transparency and the institution’s silence
The right-wing councillors have officially requested clarification over the latest moves in the administration of Tirana City Hall, but, according to their version, they have received no response.
The opposition claims that decision-making is being kept concentrated in the mayor’s signature, while documents and acts have to be sent to the Durrës pre-trial detention facility. This situation has further fueled doubts over the institution’s actual capacity to function without blockage.
Alimehmeti confirms candidacy bid, Socialist Party still without an official name
In the absence of early elections, Alimehmeti said he would be part of the process the opposition will use to select its candidate for Tirana, whether through primaries or another formula to be decided by the relevant forums.
On the other side, the Socialist Party has still not officially announced the name of its candidate for Tirana City Hall. However, according to what has been made public by Blendi Sulaj, the socialist camp is expected to field Ogerta Manastirliu, whom he said he would join on the campaign trail.
With the municipality engulfed in a series of disputed decisions, resignations and dismissals, the race for Tirana is beginning earlier than the formal deadlines.
Beyond the names, the central issue remains whether the capital can emerge from the institutional deadlock without citizens paying the price through fewer services and more uncertainty.