Erion Veliaj has removed Anuela Ristani's delegated powers to run the Tirana municipality, which she had exercised since February 2025.
The order signed by Veliaj repeals the act of February 14, 2025, but does not designate another person to take over Ristan's powers. The document does not explicitly dismiss her from the position of deputy mayor, but it does remove the mayor's powers that were delegated to her.
Under these conditions, the municipal directorates and structures continue to exercise the powers they have by law or that have been delegated to them previously. For acts that require the signature or authority of the mayor, Veliaj or a person authorized by him is required. This is happening while Veliaj is in detention and does not directly exercise the daily management of the municipality.
The Prime Minister's Office has also reacted to this issue. Through spokesperson Manjola Hasa, it emphasizes that, according to the Constitutional Court's decision, Erion Veliaj continues to be mayor of Tirana.
According to the Prime Minister's Office, the problem is related to the fact that the elected mayor is in prison, while the management of the municipality is exercised through delegated powers. The reaction states that the exercise of the mandate by Veliaj is not only related to him as elected, but also to the will of the citizens of Tirana.
The Prime Minister's Office describes the situation as a result of the mayor's physical absence from the institution and raises concerns about the impact this may have on the daily functioning of the municipality.
