The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, has today approved the first decisions from the Durrës Penitentiary Institution, where he has been in detention for 19 months.
According to a statement from the Municipality of Tirana, Veliaj has accepted the resignations of Deputy Mayor Anuela Ristani, Secretary General Eldi Hoxha and Chief of Cabinet Blerina Beshku.
The mayor also signed all payrolls within an hour of their arrival at the Durrës Penitentiary Institution.
Also from detention, Veliaj has approved additional funds for the capital's nurseries and kindergartens, with the aim of continuing the financing and functioning of these institutions.
Decision-making has also continued for public transportation. The Municipality of Tirana announces that Veliaj has approved funds for the continuation of free passes for pensioners in the capital.
But beyond the signed decisions, the situation also produces a significant paradox. As three of the administration's most important officials leave, Veliaj has chosen not to delegate his powers to another leader, but to exercise them himself from detention.
Apparently, 19 months away from office have not been enough for the mayor to fully entrust the helm to the staff he has built around himself. For the moment, the decision-making path in the Municipality of Tirana also passes through the Durrës Penitentiary Institution.
