The National Territory Protection Inspectorate (IKMT) resumed today the action of demolishing buildings in the first lot of the Tirana New Ring, which includes the roundabout at Eagle Square. Residents have been protesting for more than a year against demolition without compensation.
Demolition began in the early morning with numerous police blocking the road and causing traffic congestion.
Another five-storey that housed about 70 earthquake-affected residents is planned to be demolished tomorrow. Former opposition MP Klevis Balliu indicated in a Facebook post that they had been forced out of the building.
The media reported that there were no incidents or resistance from residents.
IKMT launched its first action in November 2019 where it demolished about 30 buildings in Eagle Square.
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj today called the plight of the residents for compensation a false cause raised by the opposition to hinder the development of his projects for the capital.
“False causes fall like illegal buildings,” Veliaj commented on a Twitter post after today’s demolition.
The mayor has long used insulting rhetoric towards citizens who oppose municipality projects. Last year, he referred to the inhabitants of the area as ‘cavemen’ and others that have opposed his plans as “dogs”, “vandals” and “clowns”.
Last year, the media exposed the previous bid winner for the construction of one third of the New Ring Road as having forged all documents. Government-critic journalist Ylli Rakipi’s show, where the affair was broadcast, was later closed, allegedly after government pressure on the TV owner.
