Beleri not free to campaign for Himare ally
A new election for mayor of the predominantly ethnic Greek city of Himare in southern Albania will take place on August 4, without the previously elected mayor, Fredi Beleri, being able to help his chosen successor, Petro Gjikuria.
Beleri’s petition to be released from prison, having completed two-thirds of his sentence, was postponed by a court for August 29 under the pretext that the prison director had forgotten to bring with him Beleri’s criminal record.
Apparently, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is pulling all the stops to ensure that there will be no new election surprises in Himare, following Beleri’s victory in May 2023. Back then, Rama had underestimated Beleri’s chances.
While the opposition party agreed on Gjikuria, a businessman active in the United States, the ruling Socialist Party announced Vangjel Tavo as its candidate.
“My program is that of Fredi Beleri, which was voted in May 2013 by the citizens of Himare,” said Gjikuria.
“Cooperation with Fredi Beleri, and any other personality, is required for the benefit of Himare, the Greeks of Albania and Greek-Albanian relations,” said Tavo.
Observers on the ground say that any prediction about the outcome would be risky.
Rama’s circles are trying to tie Gjikuria with Greek nationalists and the “anti-Albanian lobby.” Gjikuria denied nationalist ties in comments to Kathimerini, saying the accusations stem from a few officials within the Socialist Party.
