The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, took his first steps towards a political career in 2003 after years of engagement in civil society, international organizations, and media.

Born in Tirana on December 17, 1979, Veliaj completed his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in Michigan, United States. He later pursued a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom, focusing on European Integration.

In 2003, at just 24 years old, Veliaj founded the “MJAFT” movement and led it for four years until November 2007. Following this, he joined the European Stability Initiative, a key organization promoting EU enlargement.

In 2011, Veliaj became a member of the leadership of the Socialist Party of Albania, serving as Secretary for Youth and Immigration. Two years later, after being elected as a Member of Parliament for the Gjirokastër district, he was appointed Minister of Social Welfare and Youth in the Rama 1 government.

In 2015, the Socialist Party chose Veliaj as its candidate for Mayor of Tirana, a race he won. Since then, he has held this position, winning two more municipal elections.

However, Veliaj’s popularity has now been shaken following the justice system’s decision to arrest him on charges of corruption and money laundering.