Popular Albanian actor and satirist Florjan Binaj, best known for his role in the hit comedy show Portokalli, has officially declared his candidacy for Mayor of Tirana. The announcement came through a heartfelt post on his official Facebook page, where Binaj expressed his desire to represent all citizens of the capital — regardless of political affiliation — and to restore the municipality as a true institution for the people.
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| Archive photo showing Florjan Binaj at a protest against government policies in Tirana, March 21, 2022 |
In his statement, Binaj said:
“I have decided to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Tirana, giving all of myself to represent every citizen — with or without a party — not dividing people by sides but treating everyone equally. No city, especially the capital, can serve only the political group that governs it.”
His message resonated widely across social media, generating both surprise and excitement. Known for his long-standing public advocacy and social commentary, Binaj now aims to transform his civic engagement into direct action through local governance.
A Call for Unity Beyond Party Lines
In his post, Florjan Binaj directly addressed the citizens of Tirana, describing them as “honest, hardworking, and humble.” He reflected on his 22 years as an artist engaged in national public issues and emphasized his deep concern over the city’s direction.
“As a family man raised in a capital that has destroyed much in the name of development, and seeing how little has truly improved, I believe it’s time for a new kind of leadership — one that does not belong to any political party,” Binaj wrote.
He criticized the 34-year political cycle in Albania, saying that the traditional party-based system has not yielded the desired improvement in citizens’ quality of life. For him, Tirana now needs a leader chosen by citizens, for citizens, not by party elites.
“No More Waiting for 34 More Years”
In his declaration, Binaj pointed out that the time for waiting is over. According to him, Tirana’s residents cannot afford to wait for another generation to see real change. He stated:
“We cannot wait another 34 years. That’s why I have decided to run for Mayor of Tirana — to represent all citizens equally, to restore the sense of belonging and fairness, and to show that the municipality should serve everyone, not just the ruling political side.”
Binaj’s approach appears to be based on inclusivity, transparency, and the idea of civic leadership, rather than political loyalty. His candidacy is being viewed by some analysts as part of a broader movement across Albania calling for non-partisan figures to step into politics.
Vision: Restoring the Municipality to the Citizens
One of Binaj’s main campaign goals is to restore trust in the institution of the municipality. He argues that over the years, local government has become an extension of central politics rather than a tool to serve citizens’ everyday needs.
“Our goal is to take the municipality out of the political swamp it’s stuck in and return it to the citizens — as a home for all of us,” Binaj stated.
“We must rebuild citizens’ trust in the municipality as an institution that works for the community.”
His message reflects a populist yet civic-oriented tone, emphasizing local governance as a partnership between citizens and administrators, not a vertical structure dominated by parties.
A Candidacy That May Reshape Tirana’s Political Landscape
Binaj’s entry into the race could reshape the Tirana mayoral contest, typically dominated by established party candidates. As one of Albania’s most recognizable public figures, he brings both popularity and credibility outside traditional politics.
Although Binaj has not officially announced whether he will run independently or with the support of smaller political movements, he called on all political parties that truly want change to unite behind his initiative:
“I hope and believe that all political parties that truly seek change, regardless of their colors, will join this initiative and trust the citizens — just as citizens have trusted them.”
This open invitation signals his willingness to collaborate with diverse groups for a common cause: a citizen-centered Tirana.
Public Reactions and Expectations
The public response to Binaj’s announcement has been immediate and energetic. Many supporters praised his courage for stepping into politics, while others expressed curiosity about his concrete plans and team.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of encouragement, but also questions about how Binaj’s artistic background will translate into political leadership. However, as history has shown, public figures entering politics often bring fresh perspectives and break traditional barriers between citizens and institutions.
If his campaign gains traction, Florjan Binaj could become one of the most influential independent voices in Albanian local politics — representing a generation tired of partisanship and eager for practical, citizen-first governance.
Florjan Binaj’s decision to run for Mayor of Tirana marks a significant moment in Albania’s civic landscape. His call for unity, equality, and transparency in city governance resonates with many citizens who feel disconnected from politics. Whether his candidacy will translate into political success remains to be seen, but his message is clear: it’s time for the capital to be led by citizens, for citizens.