Faithful Presence” hits the ground as Socialist MPs begin listening sessions with citizens

Just 24 hours after Edi Rama issued the directive, Socialist MPs will head out this Friday at 5:00 p.m. to meet with citizens and gather their concerns. With notepads in hand, they will hold discussions in various venues, mainly cafés.

The meetings will not take place at the Socialist Party’s local branch offices. Notices published on social media show that various cafés and other establishments have been selected, without cameras or photographers present.

According to a Socialist MP for Tirana County, contacted by Top Channel journalist Muhamed Veliu, citizens will gather in groups to present their problems. Their concerns will be recorded, and they will later receive a written response.

“The discussion will initially be held as a group and then individually, because no two problems are alike,” the MP said.

Former Agriculture Minister Anila Denaj has decided to hold her meeting with residents at a café in Bërzhitë.

Former Interior Minister Ervin Hoxha will receive citizens at an establishment on “Migjeni” Street in Tirana’s Administrative Unit 11.

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has chosen Garibaldi Square in Kombinat for her discussion with citizens.

Culture Minister Blendi Gonxhe will meet with Mëzez residents at another café-bar.

Meanwhile, Ogerta Manastirliu, who has been proposed as a candidate in the upcoming local elections in Tirana, has chosen the “Petro Zheji” Library in Administrative Unit 9 instead of a café.

Socialist senator Erion Braçe is expected to begin his listening sessions next week, after consulting this Friday with the Socialist Party section groups in Administrative Unit 5.

As of the publication of this report, former Parliament Speaker and former Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali had not yet announced where she would meet with citizens in her capacity as an MP for Tirana.

Fatmir Xhafaj has also not yet announced where he will implement the “Faithful Presence” initiative.

Kavajë residents will have the opportunity to be heard by Socialist Party parliamentary group chair Taulant Balla, who has paid particular attention to the city in recent months.

Like their colleagues in Tirana County, MPs from the other 11 counties have also published the locations of their meetings. Cafés and village centers have been designated as the venues where the implementation of “Faithful Presence” will continue.