The Constitutional Court of Albania has published its decision regarding the request submitted by Erion Veliaj, seeking the annulment of the Council of Ministers’ decision to dismiss him from his post as Mayor of Tirana, as well as the annulment of the President of the Republic’s decree setting the date for partial local elections in the capital.
In the decision made public on Thursday, the Constitutional Court ruled to suspend the President’s decree in the part that concerns the Municipality of Tirana, specifically regarding the setting of the election date for this local government unit.
The ruling was issued based on Article 115, paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Constitution, Article 45 of Law No. 8577, dated February 10, 2000, “On the organization and functioning of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Albania,” as amended, and Article 27 of the Court’s Rules of Judicial Procedure.
The suspension will remain in force until the Constitutional Court issues a final decision on the constitutionality of the contested acts.
President Begaj Respects the Court’s Decision
Through his press office, President Bajram Begaj reacted to the suspension of elections in Tirana following Veliaj’s dismissal, stating that the President respects the decision of the Constitutional Court.
Meanwhile, Euronews Albania reports that Socialist Party (SP) structures in Tirana have been instructed to continue their work as usual, emphasizing that there has been no annulment of the elections, only a temporary suspension of the presidential decree, with the final decision expected on October 31.
Opposition-Backed Candidate Reacts
Florjan Binaj, the independent candidate supported by the opposition, reacted on Thursday to the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend Veliaj’s dismissal.
Binaj stated that whenever the date for the elections in Tirana is set, he and his team will participate, emphasizing that their participation will be guided by a vision for change.
“The upcoming elections in Tirana are only the first step in a long road we are beginning. Whenever the vote is scheduled, we will participate with our vision and will for change. The most important party is the party of the citizens,” Binaj declared.
Berisha Welcomes the Ruling
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, held a press conference reacting to the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend the partial elections in Tirana.
Berisha called the ruling an important act in defense of the Constitution.
“Today the Constitutional Court made a decision that I salute as an act of great importance in defending the Constitution and the constitutional order. I congratulate the unanimous decision of the judges who protected the Constitution from its enemies — from the crooks of the state. I had warned that they would act in this way, bypassing the Constitutional Court under the banal pretext that the Council of Ministers acts merely as a notary of the Municipal Council,” Berisha stated.
Bledar Dervishaj, a guest on Euronews Albania with moderator Thimi Samarxhiu, also commented on Thursday’s decision by the Constitutional Court to suspend the elections in Tirana following Veliaj’s appeal.
Dervishaj emphasized that the ruling takes effect immediately upon publication, adding that it is unlikely that the elections will be held in November.
“The decision of the Constitutional Court enters into force on the date of its publication. It’s unlikely that will happen in November. This shows the impact of justice when it acts on time. Normally, the complainant himself is a party to the process. If he wishes, he should attend. Mr. Veliaj should be there, to do what he didn’t do before the Municipal Council. There’s nothing wrong with that — though I see the problem as deeper, perhaps in the legal paragraph under which he was dismissed,” Dervishaj said.
