#Erion Veliaj #Kasowitz LLP #Albania #Tirana

Albanian Constitutional Court Restores Erion Veliaj's Position

On November 3, 2025, the Albanian Constitutional Court made a landmark decision to reinstate Erion Veliaj as the mayor of Tirana, following his unjust removal by the city council. This court ruling not only halts the planned special elections but also marks a critical moment for democratic governance in Albania.

Erion Veliaj, who had been embroiled in a nine-month legal and political battle since his arrest, delivered an emotional nine-minute speech at the court. He emphasized that his removal was unconstitutional and unfair, driven by his forced incarceration rather than any lawful grounds.

“I waited nine months to speak for nine minutes,” Veliaj stated, pointing out the absurdity of his dismissal under the pretext of mandatory detention. He posed a poignant question to the court and the public, asking, “Do we really wish to legitimize the notion that any elected official can be removed from their position simply through temporary arrest, without any conviction? This strips citizens of the mandate they freely granted through elections.”

In his speech, Veliaj criticized the two injustices that contributed to his dismissal. He urged the court to work towards preserving democracy, which he argued was currently under severe threat. He depicted his absence not as a choice but as a consequence of state-imposed isolation due to unproven allegations against him.

The court found merit in Veliaj's arguments, ruling that the city council acted unconstitutionally in his removal. The constitutional framework asserts that an elected official's mandate cannot be annulled without due process. This decision not only reinstates Veliaj but also sets a precedent that reinforces the rule of law in Albania by establishing that challenges against elected officials must proceed through correct legal channels, not through arbitrary actions.

Daniel Fetterman from Kasowitz LLP, who served as Veliaj’s international counsel, proclaimed it a “wonderful victory, not just for Erion Veliaj but for all citizens of Tirana and the rule of law globally.” This statement encapsulates the broader implications of the court's decision for democratic governance in Albania and beyond.

Observers and analysts view this ruling as a significant milestone in Albania's journey towards strengthening its commitment to rule of law. Erion Veliaj, with a renewed mandate, is poised to continue to serve the people of Tirana and further his vision of transforming the city into a world-class metropolitan hub and a tourist-friendly destination in Europe.

A team of legal experts represented both Veliaj and the broader cause of justice, including partners Daniel J. Fetterman and Brian S. Choi from Kasowitz LLP, and from Mishcon de Reya, partners James Libson and Ben Brandon alongside managing partner Celia Marr.

In conclusion, the reinstatement of Erion Veliaj not only restores a democratically elected leader to his rightful position but also affirms the fundamental principle that the legal framework should provide protection against arbitrary removals of elected officials, thereby safeguarding democracy in Albania. The message from this legal victory is clear: the voice of the citizens will prevail against unjust and unconstitutional actions.