Tirana’s Mayor, Erion Veliaj assesses that the skyscrapers being built around the city, attest to its modern development. Interviewed by Euronews Albania, the mayor instead criticized interventions in buildings, done without a permission.

“When we say we want Albania to be like foreign countries, it means we want foreign brands, foreign hotels. Skyscrapers are the most beautiful thing that has happened to the city, while additions and stories without permission are the ugliest. We can’t be new and antique at the same time,” he declared.

Speaking of the new theatre of the city, the mayor promises it will be the most modern in the entire Southeast Europe.

“I am to be blamed a little regarding the theatre. If the old one had been demolished earlier, we wouldn’t be caught today in the cycle of increasing prices in the construction sector. The old building had not been used for three years. The situation became tragicomical, it was politically used. The theatre will be important to the city. We have a company for its construction. Tirana will have the most modern theatre in Southeast Europe,” Veliaj said.

Regarding the electoral race, a Euronews Albania poll showed that majority of the people want a public debate between the two main candidates. Veliaj clarified why he won’t agree to that.

“Giving air time to ‘non-grata-backed-dolls’ is something we cannot take upon ourselves to do. Berisha and Meta are using their candidates to breathe through them. The USA will make a fair decision, as our strategic partner,” Veliaj concluded.