The opposition faces a choice that will show whether it genuinely intends to win Tirana or simply to count each party’s votes. The names put forward deserve respect, but among them, the well-known physician Ilir Alimehmeti has a strong argument that cannot be overlooked: he has demonstrated that citizens are willing to vote for him personally.
In the 2025 parliamentary elections, Alimehmeti received 18,128 votes in the Tirana constituency. And he received them while being almost alone, despite running under the DP logo.
Alimehmeti’s profile as a well-known doctor gives him the opportunity to communicate with citizens beyond the usual language of party conflict. Tirana needs a serious debate on services, air quality, public spaces, transport and the daily lives of families. A candidacy like his could shift the focus to the problems citizens feel every morning when they leave their homes.
Of course, running the municipality requires administrative skill and a strong team. This is precisely where the opposition’s work should focus: supporting Ilir Alimehmeti in building a credible governing alternative for the capital. His candidacy would gain more value if it were accompanied by competent people and measurable commitments for the city.
Public support from Gazment Bardhi, who has described Alimehmeti as an excellent candidate, should serve as the starting point for a responsible discussion. Bardhi himself has left room for dialogue and consensus before the official decision. This space should be used to build agreements.
Florjan Binaj has public recognition and civic engagement. Arlind Qori represents a political alternative with its own identity. Agron Shehaj has the right to propose his force’s offer. But each party’s ambition must face a simple question: which candidate can gather the broadest support and build a majority for changing the direction of Tirana?
Ilir Alimehmeti offers a combination worth backing: a professional profile, public recognition and proven personal support at the ballot box. His potential to attract citizens beyond the DP must be tested on the ground and through reliable measurements, but there are serious reasons for the opposition to invest politically in this opportunity.
The DP also needs to understand the responsibility that such a candidacy entails. If it wants broad support, it must give its partners a real role in the programme, in the team and in transparency mechanisms. Alimehmeti should step forward to citizens as a candidate to lead the municipality, with responsibility to all of Tirana.
On the other hand, new parties cannot exclude a name simply because it comes from the DP. They should test it against criteria: integrity, competence, programme, transparency and representative strength. If these criteria are met, his support would be a responsible political choice.
Tirana is not won merely by calling for unity. It is won by giving citizens reasons to trust a better direction. Ilir Alimehmeti has a serious base on which to build this trust, and the opposition must give him the opportunity to prove it.
If the goal is victory, Alimehmeti’s name deserves support, work and a broad agreement.