"Albanian Zelensky" in the race for mayor of Tirana

Well-known satirist Florjan Binaj has announced his candidacy for mayor of Tirana, with the support of Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party.

The snap elections in the Albanian capital are scheduled for November 9th, after former mayor Erion Velijaj was removed from office due to a prison sentence imposed on suspicion of corruption and abuse of office. He denies the charges. The winner of the election will serve two years, until the next national local elections.

Binaj, known for his striking imitations of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama and appearances on prime-time television, announced on Saturday that he intends to run, the "Politiko" portal reported.

"I have decided to announce my candidacy for mayor of Tirana... I believe that my contribution, even though it is half of the mandate, will serve hope and unity, and improve the lives of all residents of the capital," he wrote in a Facebook post.

His decision quickly won the support of Berisha, who himself faces legal troubles. He said on Monday that all opposition voters and parties should support the comedian's candidacy, with the call led by his center-right Democratic Party.

Not everyone is convinced that Binaj has the capacity to manage the capital's annual budget of 250 million euros, and local commentators warn of his inexperience in administration.

Berisha told Politiko that "Florjan Binaj is a fearless social activist, a courageous advocate for civic interests, especially in the fight against corruption both on and off screen, and an outstanding communicator. He embodies exactly what the Albanian opposition is looking for: not only a way to expand its reach, but also a response to the growing need for clean, young and urban public profiles."

"Politko" writes that Binay's candidacy has sparked comparisons with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was a successful actor and comedian before entering politics.

However, not everyone is convinced that Binaj has the capacity to manage the capital's annual budget of 250 million euros, and local commentators warn of his inexperience in administration.

"We are talking about city governance here, not a cabaret show," said analyst and former Democratic Party politician Edvin Kuluri.

Binaj will face the ruling Socialist Party's candidate and former education minister, Ogerta Manastirliu, activist Edlira Cepani, and professor, writer and analyst Ermal Hasimja. Elections will also be held in five other municipalities.

The Socialist Party, which has just begun its fourth term at the state level, currently controls 54 of the country's 61 constituencies.