#Kasowitz #Erion Veliaj #Albania #Tirana

Reinstatement of Erion Veliaj: A Triumph for Democracy and Rule of Law

On November 3, 2025, Albania's Constitutional Court delivered a landmark ruling by overturning the Tirana Municipal Council's decision to dismiss democratically elected mayor Erion Veliaj. This unexpected verdict halted planned early elections, representing a crucial moment in the fight for democratic governance in Albania.

Following nine months of political and legal struggles, Veliaj's absence from office stemmed from his arrest, which the court deemed unconstitutional. The ruling underscored the key principle of constitutional law: an elected representative's mandate cannot be terminated without following due legal procedures. Veliaj's return marks a victory not just for him, but for all Tirana citizens and the global commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The mayor made his first public appearance in months shortly after the ruling. Addressing the court, he delivered a passionate nine-minute speech, declaring, "I waited nine months to speak for nine minutes." His words underscored the unjust basis on which the state had attempted to remove him from office, highlighting the importance of maintaining democratic integrity and accountability.

"It is possible to imprison a person, but one cannot imprison the truth," Veliaj asserted. He emphasized that his absence was not a choice but a result of state-imposed isolation and disproportionate measures. He challenged the idea that any elected official could be removed from office due to temporary detainment, without any conviction, thus robbing people of a mandate they had freely given through their votes.

The mayor further condemned the proceedings that led to his disqualification, remarking, "Two injustices do not lead to justice." He urged the court to help protect the democracy that is being tested in Albania today.

Daniel Fetterman, an international counsel for Veliaj and part of Kasowitz LLP, expressed that the ruling was a significant victory for the mayor and, by extension, for the citizens of Tirana. He emphasized that this decision champions the rule of law and democracy on a global scale.

Observers view this ruling by the Constitutional Court as a defining milestone in Albania's efforts to strengthen its commitment to the rule of law, ensuring that Veliaj can resume his valuable service to the citizens of Tirana while striving to enhance the capital as a world-class, welcoming European destination.

The legal teams representing Veliaj included notable partners from Kasowitz LLP and Mishcon de Reya. In New York, Daniel J. Fetterman and Brian S. Choi, along with Washington, D.C. advisors Clarine Nardi Riddle and David Miller, contributed to the legal fight. Mishcon de Reya's team consisted of partners James Libson and Ben Brandon, senior associate Celia Marr, and attorneys Grace Houghton and Elizabeth Fitton.

This ruling not only restores Veliaj's position but also reinforces Albania's democratic foundations and the importance of lawful governance. As the country moves forward, the actions of the Constitutional Court serve as a reminder that democracy and the rule of law must prevail, safeguarding the rights and choices of the people.