Jailed mayor expected to keep running Albanian capital while incarcerated

Tirana’s incarcerated mayor, Erion Veliaj, is set to continue running Albania’s capital from his prison cell until the next local elections in 2027, in what critics say is an unprecedented and troubling moment for the country’s governance.

Prime Minister Edi Rama appeared to confirm the situation during a local television interview on the night of November 13, stating: “Veliaj will remain mayor until 2027", Caliber.Az quotes BalkanInsight. 

Veliaj has been behind bars since February, facing charges of corruption, money laundering, and concealing wealth—allegations he denies, calling his arrest unjust.

His detention has prevented him from carrying out most mayoral duties, yet reports suggest he has managed to continue some activities from prison. According to local media, he even signed an order on November 11 instructing the city to begin decorating for the New Year holidays.

Confusion over Veliaj’s status intensified after the Constitutional Court on November 3 annulled a Tirana Municipal Council decision to dismiss him at a meeting where he had not been granted a hearing. The ruling effectively left him in office despite his incarceration.

The political backdrop is equally fraught. In September, while presenting his new government after securing a fourth term, Rama himself had initiated efforts to remove Veliaj and called for fresh local elections. He even introduced a potential new Socialist Party candidate for mayor, former Health and Education Minister Ogerta Manastirliu.

Civil society groups argue the ongoing standoff is unnecessary and politically motivated. Rigels Xhemollari of the Tirana-based NGO Qendresa Qytetare (Civic Resistance) said the city’s administration is fully capable of functioning without a mayor issuing directives from prison.

“The Municipality of Tirana has over 7,000 employees and a municipal council with 61 people and of course the administrative work can be managed … even if they do not have contact with the prison,” he said.

He suggested the situation reflects political maneuvering rather than concern for municipal operations.

“This is a political game, it has nothing to do with the work of the municipality – because the municipality has a council, it has a deputy mayor, and they are paid by us to do this work,” he added.

By Sabina Mammadli