Albanian Mayor Erion Veliaj Resumes Office After Supreme Court Triumph

Erion Veliaj Regains His Mayoral Position in Albania

On November 3, 2025, a significant ruling from the Constitutional Court of Albania restored Erion Veliaj to his role as mayor of Tirana. This decision overturned the Tirana City Council's resolution to remove him, marking a crucial development in Albania's commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law.

After spending nine months in detention, Veliaj addressed the court for the first time, delivering an emotional nine-minute speech that highlighted the politically charged circumstances surrounding his imprisonment and removal from office. He began by stating, “I waited nine months to speak for nine minutes,” emphasizing that his detention was not a legitimate reason for his removal from office.

Veliaj criticized the council's actions, pointing out that it was unconstitutional to use his involuntary detention as grounds for his dismissal. He argued, “Can we really legitimize the idea that any elected official can be removed from office with temporary detention without a legal judgment?” With this remark, he underscored the fundamental democratic principle that elected representatives shouldn’t lose their positions without due process.

The court's ruling is considered a pivotal moment not only for Veliaj but also for the citizens of Tirana and international observers who advocate for judicial integrity. The justices ruled that the municipal council had violated the constitution by seeking to terminate Veliaj's mandate under these extraordinary circumstances.

Veliaj’s return to office halted plans for snap elections in the city, shedding light on the ongoing conflict regarding democratic practices within Albania. His legal team, comprising international legal advisers from firms like Kasowitz and Mishcon de Reya, hailed this ruling as a victory for the rule of law and democracy. Daniel Fetterman, an advisor to Veliaj from Kasowitz, remarked, “This is a massive victory for Erion, but it's also a triumph for all citizens of Tirana.”

Local and international observers view the court's decision as a testament to Albania's potential advancement toward strengthening the rule of law. The case represents a struggle where Veliaj aims not only to serve the interests of citizens in Tirana but also to transform the city into a world-class, welcoming European destination.

The legal teams representing both Veliaj and the city exhibited a robust defense of democratic processes, underscoring that such legal battles are integral to upholding democracy in Albania and around the world. Prominent legal figures from Kasowitz LLP and Mishcon de Reya played crucial roles in this significant legal victory, with partners like James Libson and Ben Brandon actively involved in the defense.

This triumph at the Constitutional Court stands as a beacon of hope for legal practitioners, politicians, and citizens who believe in the importance of due process as a pillar of democracy. Veliaj's case serves as a vital lesson on the resilience of democratic institutions and the critical role legal representation plays in safeguarding the rights of elected officials against arbitrary state actions.

In conclusion, Veliaj’s reinstatement encapsulates the ongoing struggle for democratic integrity in Albania. As he resumes his duties, the judicial principles reinforced by this case echo beyond Tirana, resonating with those who champion civic freedom and the rule of law globally.