British News Agency

Veliaj, who is being held over corruption allegations, condemned the government’s move to oust him and the presidential decree to rerun local elections in Tirana, calling it an “unconstitutional act.”

He compared his case to that of the mayor of Tropoja in northern Albania, who remains in office despite being under house arrest amid a corruption probe.

The legal debate centered on the grounds the government cited for his removal and whether the procedure complied with the law.

Veliaj’s dismissal was proposed by Prime Minister Edi Rama in early September while presenting his new cabinet after securing an unprecedented fourth term.

Days later, the Tirana Municipal Council voted to remove Veliaj, citing his absence from work for more than three months. Albanian law permits a mayor’s dismissal under three scenarios: violation of the constitution or laws, a final court verdict, or failure to attend work for three consecutive months.

Since his arrest in February, Veliaj has been in custody and unable to perform his duties. He faces charges of corruption, money laundering, and concealment of assets.

Denying the accusations, Veliaj argued that his detention was unjust. In a letter to the municipal council, he said he wished to attend the dismissal session but his request was denied, adding that he had not been formally notified of the proceedings.