Albanian Mayor Erion Veliaj Returns to Office After Nine Months in Prison, Celebrated as a Rule of Law Victory

Erion Veliaj's Legal Triumph: A Landmark Moment in Albanian Democracy

After spending nine long months in prison, Erion Veliaj, the democratically elected mayor of Tirana, stood before the Albanian Constitutional Court on November 3, 2025. In a nine-minute address, he reclaimed his position, following a crucial court decision that annulled the city council's vote to remove him from office. This ruling is hailed as a monumental victory for the rule of law in Albania.

The court's decision explicitly stated that the Tirana city council acted unconstitutionally when they cited Veliaj's involuntary detention as a reason for his removal. This verdict underscores an essential constitutional principle: the mandate of an elected official cannot be terminated without due process.

Veliaj's first public appearance since his incarceration was a poignant moment. He opened his speech with, "I waited nine months to speak for nine minutes," emphasizing that his absence was not a choice but a direct result of the state's actions against him. He passionately argued, "You can imprison a person, but you cannot imprison their truth. My absence was not my decision, but rather the isolation imposed on me by the state through unjust decisions that robbed me of my freedom and deprived me of my city before any guilt was established."

His words resonated as he questioned the legitimacy of a system that allows for the arbitrary removal of elected officials based solely on temporary detentions. He posed a critical challenge to the court and society: should the premise be accepted that any elected representative can lose their mandate through mere arrest without a conviction?

Veliaj further criticized the process that stripped him of his office, stating, "Two wrongs do not make a right." He called upon the court to protect democracy, which he believes is currently under siege.

The significance of this decision extends beyond just Veliaj; it is celebrated as a victory for the citizens of Tirana and for legal integrity worldwide. Daniel Fetterman from Kasowitz LLP, who advises Veliaj, expressed that this is not just a triumph for the mayor but a win for democracy and the rule of law across the globe.

Observers view the Constitutional Court's ruling as a landmark moment for Albania, affirming its commitment to upholding legal principles and enabling Mayor Veliaj to continue serving his constituents. Veliaj aims to transform Tirana into a world-class city and a welcoming destination in Europe.

The legal teams representing him, including partners from Kasowitz and Mishcon de Reya, highlight the collaborative effort in achieving this outcome. They comprise experienced advocates who have championed the principles of fairness and justice throughout Veliaj's ordeal.

In conclusion, Veliaj's reinstatement is a pivotal development in Albanian governance, representing resilience in the face of adversity, a commitment to legal due process, and a reaffirmation of democratic principles essential for a thriving society. This event stands as a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of law and democracy, both in Albania and beyond.