A delegation from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe carried out a high-level visit to Tirana, Albania, from 4 to 6 February. At the centre of the visit was the situation of grassroots democracy in the country, in particular the developments since the last local elections held in June 2019.
The delegation was composed of the President of the Congress, Anders KNAPE (Sweden, EPP/CCE), the President of the Chamber of Regions, Gunn Marit HELGESEN (Norway, EPP/CCE), the President of the Chamber of Local Authorities, Xavier CADORET (France, SOC/G/PD) and Congress Secretary General Andreas KIEFER. The programme included meetings with the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr Ilir META, the Deputy Minister of Interior, Ms Romina KUKO, the Mayor of Tirana and Head of the Albanian Delegation to the Congress, Erion VELIAJ, and with the Chair of the Central Election Commission of Albania, Mr Klement ZGURI.
In addition, meetings were held with the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, Mr Edi RAMA's representative, Mr Taulant BALLA, and with the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania, Mr Lulzim BASHA.
The delegation also exchanged views with representatives from Shkoder, notably the Mayor of the city, Ms Voltana ADEMI, and the President of the Regional Council of Shkoder, Ms Greta BARDELI. Meetings with representatives of the diplomatic corps in Tirana, international and domestic NGOs and territorial self-government associations as well as with the People’s Advocate, Ms Erinda BALLANCA, completed the programme.
Congress Delegation:
Members:
Mr. Anders KNAPE (EPP/CCE, Sweden), President of the Congress
Mr. Xavier CADORET (SOC/G/PD, France), Chamber of Local Authorities, President
Mrs. Gunn Marit HELGESEN (EPP/CCE, Norway), Chamber of Regions, President
Secretariat:
Mr. Andreas KIEFER, Secretary General
Mrs. Renate ZIKMUND, Acting Head of Service, Department of Statutory Activities
