In an extraordinary meeting held today, the Tirana Municipal Council voted with 51 votes in favor to dismiss Erion Veliaj from the position of mayor. The decision comes as a result of a proposal made publicly by Prime Minister Edi Rama during the Socialist Party Assembly, where he announced the current Minister of Health, Ogerta Manastirliu, as the candidate for the leadership of the municipality.
The meeting opened with a statement from the President of the Municipal Council, Megi Fino, who said that this decision represents a step towards the “liberation” of the capital. “Today we are fulfilling our duty, putting an end to a situation similar to a detention without trial against the city, caused by Erion Veliaj,” she said. She emphasized that the sole purpose of the meeting was to review and approve the proposal for Veliaj’s removal.
Following this decision by the Municipal Council, it is expected that the Council of Ministers will give final approval for Veliaj's official dismissal from office.
This political move marks a significant change in the direction of the Municipality of Tirana and paves the way for a new name at the head of the capital's local administration.
