Fredi Beleri was removed from his position as mayor of Himara

According to ERT, the Central Electoral Committee in Tirana removed Fredi Beleri from his position as mayor of Himara based on the law concerning decriminalizing public officials and employees due to a final criminal conviction against him.

Fredi Beleri, elected mayor on May 14, 2023, and sentenced to 2 years in prison for attempting to buy votes in municipal elections, has the right to appeal the removal decision within one week at the Election Court.

F. Beleri was elected 3rd on the New Democracy ballot in the European Elections, receiving 234,945 votes.

If today’s decision remains in force at the Election Court, the Central Electoral Committee will inform the President of the Republic within two days. The President will then set the date for early elections in the Municipality of Himara, which must be held within 40 days.

The Beleri case has heightened tensions between Greece and Albania. The Greek side emphasizes that the case could negatively impact Albania’s application for EU membership. The Albanian government has stated it cannot intervene, as the case strictly concerns judicial matters.