Removing the kiosks from Parku Rinia was one of Edi Rama’s most praised achievements from his term as Tirana Mayor in 2000, giving the space occupied by private actors back to the citizens. However, after 18 years, his successor, Erion Veliaj, has brought the kiosks back to the park.
As can be seen in the pictures, a few days ago a fast food kiosk was opened at the corner of Parku Rinia, near the Ministry of Finance and Economy intersection.
This is not the first kiosk occupying public space. In 2016 the Tirana municipality granted about 100 permits for the opening of kiosks in Tirana’s main squares. Said kiosks are now placed in the sidewalks in key locations of the city. The opening of the kiosks is accompanied by a crackdown on street vendors and villagers from neighboring town selling fresh produce on the streets.
