Scare tactics deployed in Himare polls

The mayoral elections in Himare, southern Albania, to replace the jailed ethnic Greek Fredi Beleri were reportedly marred by influence that the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama seems to have used to back its chosen candidate, Vangjel Tavo. A few days before the election, ethnic Greek businessmen received notices that they were to be inspected by the infamous IKMT agency for possible construction violations. These businessmen had supported the then-elected mayor Beleri in the May 2023 elections. The semi-illegality that affects practically every building in Himare is what makes the IKMT inspection so significant. Permits for building and repair are tied to ownership status. Because the beneficiaries have not yet secured many title deeds, IKMT checks always come with large fines and the dismantling of arbitrary buildings. The director of the service in the region of Avlona ...