Blendi Sulaj, a former deputy mayor of Tirana, on Wednesday thanked city employees and Prime Minister Edi Rama for their support after Mayor Erion Veliaj dismissed him from his post.

Sulaj said he had served for a year as deputy mayor responsible for territorial control, overseeing efforts to clear public spaces and demolish illegal constructions.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Sulaj praised municipal staff for their work and thanked Rama for his "trust and support" during his tenure.

Sulaj also publicly backed Ogerta Manastirliu's candidacy for mayor of Tirana, following his dismissal by Veliaj.