By Desada Metaj
Erion Veliaj remained in prison today, even though in recent weeks Edi Rama had given several signals that his attitude towards him had softened.
Especially after the movements in the Municipality of Tirana, where the deputy mayor was dismissed and Alban Dokushi, one of Veliaj's trusted men, was reinstated. These movements were read as a return of Veliaj's control over several key points of the municipality, or at least as a signal that the relationship with Rama was no longer at its coldest.
In this climate, the appearance of Sokol Sadushi next to Edi Rama a few weeks ago was also read. For many, that scene was interpreted as a kind of political guarantee for Veliaj's judicial fate, especially at a moment when the Supreme Court had undertaken to review the security measure following the Constitutional Court's decision.
But neither Dokushi, nor the movements in the municipality, nor the appearance of Sadushi next to Rama produced the expected result. Veliaj remained in prison.
Despite the publicly expressed regret, it seems that Edi Rama has taken a deep breath and with one less worry. Because Veliaj on his feet would undoubtedly be one more problem for a prime minister who is surrounded by SPAK files on his closest associates.
Surrounded by troubled former friends, and with some additional troubles of his own, Rama seems to have realized that some political cards are no longer useful. Veliaj is one of them. Belinda Balluku, despite the public defense that has been given to him so far, also seems to be becoming increasingly annoying on the feet.
Because Edi Rama, despite what is said to be selling out his associates, is actually doing nothing more than what any politician with two minds would do in his place: trying to save himself and negotiate his position.
And for this reason, neither Veliaj nor Balluku seem useful cards anymore. On the contrary, they are becoming heavy, worn out, and problematic cards.
Even more annoying are the wars they have with each other, which will likely rear their heads in the coming days and weeks.
In the end, today's decision is not just a judicial development for Erion Veliaj. It is also a political moment for Edi Rama. Publicly, one can talk about regret, cost to Tirana, and an elected mayor being held in prison. But politically, Veliaj in a cell is more manageable than Veliaj free.
