8 new citizens are sworn in, Veliaj: The tree with berries is thrown with stones and Molotov cocktails

Eight new citizens took an oath today before the Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, to obtain Albanian citizenship. At the swearing-in ceremony, the mayor congratulated the young Albanian citizens who became part of the team, and of a flag, whose mission is to move Tirana and Albania forward. Pointing out the development of the capital and the achievements so far, Veliaj said that focusing on work and rejecting violence is the key to creating success stories.

"We live in the Balkans and here success is not easily forgiven. Even the tree with berries is attacked, not only with stones, but also with Molotov cocktails. However, I hope you don't get discouraged because it's not just the Balkans that's 'crazy', but the whole world is living with populism debates, fake news debates and the attack of the one who will move things forward. When I think how far we have come thanks to the work in Tirana and when I think that today this city is the most visited place after Covid - Tirana and Albania are moving towards a 365 day tourism - and when I see how much economy is coming and how much Tirana has development, I believe that when we Albanians come together, when we have our minds on work and not on violence, we create extraordinary success stories", he said.

According to the mayor, today's Tirana is a different city from the one a few years ago. He invited the young citizens to, through their experience and words, convey the positive messages that they have found in the Albanian capital, thus becoming promoters of Albanian values, but also to turn Tirana into an epicenter of attention, of the economy and the curiosity of those who visit it.

"Only the center of Tirana is filled today with an infinite number of tourists, who have made our city, all of a sudden, an epicenter of attention, economy and curiosity of those who come and visit our Tirana. I really hope that each of you will also be a marketing agent, speaking well of each other, of the country. From today, after the oath, you are officially a citizen of the Republic of Albania and I have a lot of hope that each of you, even with the words you say, with the way you show this experience or talk about Albania and Tirana, will turn into a marketing agent, but also as a change agent", said Veliaj.

In the end, the mayor expressed his conviction that the eight new citizens will be an added value for Tirana and for Albania.