Edi Rama’s chosen candidate, Vangelis Tavos, won the elections in Himara to succeed Fredi Beleris, the elected mayor and now MEP who remains in prison.

According to the official announcement, Tavo received 59% of the votes (4,858 votes), while Petros Gjikurias, supported by the Greek minority, obtained 41% (3,400 votes).

Departing election representatives of Omonia told SKAI meaningfully that “terrorism won in Himara.”

In his first statement, Tavo warmly thanked Edi Rama and the Socialist Party structures for their support and reiterated his pre-election offer for Gjikurias to take the position of deputy mayor.

The Albanian government had been striving to prevent another unpleasant surprise by the election of Petros Gjikurias, who is supported by Omonia and opposition parties and is the successor of Beleris’ combination that won the May 2023 elections, and to secure the victory of the “imported” candidate, Vangelis Tavos, who hails from Dropolis.

After the election process, Petros Gjikurias called on his opponent, Vangelis Tavos, to cooperate for the Municipality of Himara. “I will be the winner, if you want to come work for me, you are welcome. I am sure that the people of Himara believed in me,” Gjikurias said, also accusing Albanian government members of attempting to intimidate the minority, but said their threats fell on deaf ears.

“The people of Himara showed that they are not afraid, and their participation was greater, which shows that they did not lower their heads,” he said.