Arben Malaj takes heart from Braçe: I am ready to run for the Municipality of Vlora, but as an independent

2026-03-31 15:48:07Politikë SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Arben Malaj takes heart from Braçe: I am ready to run for the

Former socialist minister Arben Malaj says he is considering announcing his candidacy for the Municipality of Vlora, the city where he lives, following the decision of his colleague Erion Braçe to run as an independent for the Municipality of Tirana.

"I have received numerous requests and proposals from friends and well-wishers in Vlora that I also consider running for Mayor in our city," writes Arben Malaj, emphasizing that if he decides to do so, he will be independent.

"My commitment will be only as an independent candidate. Staying true to my principles and the need for a new governance model that does not fit Rama's humor. Integrity as Busull - Vlora for me is not simply an administrative unit, but an unlimited love," the statement says.

The former socialist minister, who is among the critics of Edi Rama's government, emphasizes that he is considering the proposal and is now in a deep reflection process, and the decision-making will be the product of a high level of responsibility towards the citizens of Vlora.

"When I have a final decision, I will communicate it with full transparency. I do not have a final decision yet, but I am respecting the golden rule in politics: Never say never. The need to serve the homeland with dignity is stronger than any political calculation," continues Arban Malaj.

Malaj's post

Given recent political developments and the statements of my colleague Braçe about a possible candidacy as an independent in Tirana, I have received numerous requests and proposals from friends and well-wishers in Vlora that I also consider running for Mayor in our city.

Out of respect for your interest, I would like to make this clarification:

1. The Principle of Complete Independence

If I decide to run, under no circumstances, under no circumstances, and in the face of no temptation or political bargaining, I will never be a candidate for Edi Rama or any other political force.

My commitment will be only as an independent candidate, staying true to my principles and the need for a new model of governance that does not fit Rama's mood.

Integrity as a Compass - Vlora for me is not just an administrative unit, but a boundless love.

She deserves a service with deep professionalism and uncompromising integrity.

The mayor's chair should not be a tool for abusive benefits, but a high moral responsibility to serve the city with clean hands.

Answers for Journalists

I appreciate your numerous requests for interviews, but I ask for your understanding. At this stage, I will not rush to the television studios. This is a process of deep reflection and my decision-making will be the product of a high level of responsibility towards the citizens of Vlora. When I have a final decision, I will communicate it with complete transparency.

"Never say never" - I don't have a final decision yet, but I am respecting the golden rule in politics: *Never say never*. The need to serve one's homeland with dignity is stronger than any political calculation.

"This photo remains a beautiful memory of the time when I tried to bring international personalities to Vlora, not for business reasons, but to promote our wonderful Vlora as much as possible.

In this photo I am with Steve Forbes. He was a candidate within the Republican Party for President of the United States (a race he lost), but is known worldwide as the publisher of the prestigious magazine 'FORBES'.

His arrival in Vlora was a golden opportunity to put our city on the map of attention of influential people in the world.

"If I decide to run, my commitment will be: to make Vlora increasingly livable for its residents and increasingly challenging.

Gratitude!


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