Erion Veliaj calls for no confidence motion against Edi Rama from prison

Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, has sent a formal message to the Socialist Party National Assembly calling for a motion of no confidence against Edi Rama. The message, sent on November 13, 2026, was issued from the Fier Prison Institution (IEVP Fier), where Erion Veliaj has been held for 21 months. In the communication, Erion Veliaj requested the activation of the statutory procedure for a motion of no confidence against the Chairman of the Socialist Party, Edi Rama.

Allegations against party leadership and the Ministry of Justice

Erion Veliaj made several claims regarding the internal operations of the Socialist Party. He stated that the party has replaced debate with silence and meritocracy with personal loyalty. Erion Veliaj further claimed that decision-making within the Socialist Party is concentrated in the hands of one or two individuals and identified Edi Rama as the primary obstacle to reforming the party. Erion Veliaj also stated that the Socialist Party has become a party of hiding, drugs, and intimidation.

In addition to his criticisms of the party structure, Erion Veliaj made specific allegations regarding legal authorities. Erion Veliaj claimed the Minister of Justice sent threats regarding his criminal status and detention conditions in exchange for his resignation. Consequently, Erion Veliaj is requesting a parliamentary investigative commission to verify these claims regarding the Minister of Justice.

Political background of Erion Veliaj

Erion Veliaj has been a member of the Socialist Party for 17 years. His political career includes serving as a campaign director in Gjirokastër County from 2009 to 2013. He has also served three mandates as the Mayor of Tirana. While Erion Veliaj has faced legal challenges, he previously noted that his dismissal from the Council of Ministers was later overturned by the Constitutional Court.

Next steps in the political process

The request for a motion of no confidence initiates a formal political procedure within the Socialist Party. The National Assembly must now address the claims made by Erion Veliaj. The call for a parliamentary investigative commission regarding the Minister of Justice represents a significant escalation in the conflict between the Mayor of Tirana and the current leadership of the Socialist Party.

Glossary

• parliamentary investigative commission — A parliamentary investigative commission, also known as a parliamentary commission of inquiry, is a commission used for investigations.
• Council of Ministers — The Council of Ministers is a body that includes members such as the General Secretaries of the Office of the President, the Parliament, and the Council of Ministers.