“The choice must be the citizens'” – DP files request at the CEC for a referendum on the tower at Rinia Park

An initiating committee today filed at the CEC the request for holding a local referendum, through which the citizens of Tirana will be asked directly whether they agree with the construction of the tower in Rinia Park.

The request was filed by the head of the Environment Department in the DP, Jamarbër Malltezi, the member of the Presidency in the DP, Dorjan Teliti, and the secretary for Civic Action, Erges Eskiu, who ask the CEC to start the procedures and provide them with the forms for collecting the necessary signatures.

In the submitted document, the initiators argue that the construction of a tall building in this zone could affect traffic, air quality and the green spaces of the capital.

After the filing, the representatives of the initiating committee declared that the decision on Rinia Park should not be taken only by institutions, but should pass through the citizens’ vote.

Malltezi described Rinia Park as one of the last green spaces remaining in the capital and said that citizens should be asked whether they want another tower or the preservation of the park.

“The moment has come for citizens to be asked. To be asked whether they want a tower for their city or whether they want one more park,” Malltezi declared.

Meanwhile, Dorjan Teliti placed the initiative in the framework of decision-making on Tirana’s urban development. According to him, citizens should have their say on the use of public spaces.

“The choice must be the citizens’,” Teliti said, asking for the issue to be decided through a referendum.

On the other hand, Erges Eskiu stopped at the prices of apartments in the new towers and the capital’s urban problems. He said that citizens need more infrastructure, transport, drinking water, sewers, clean air and green spaces.

The initiative now moves to the procedures phase at the CEC, while the initiators aim to collect signatures to push forward the request for a local referendum.