The truth about Erion Veliaj's diplomas

2026-04-22 09:20:00, Aktualitet CNA

A news item published by "Ora News" Television emphasized that Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, who has been in Durrës Prison for more than a year with 13 serious charges for 5 criminal offenses, had only completed his Bachelor's degree.

PHOTO-DENOCIMENT/ After 9 years, the truth comes to light: Veliaj was never awarded the title "Doctor Honoris Causa" by "Grand Valley State University" in the USA
April 18, 17:36

Veliaj, according to the publication, did not have a 'Master's' degree, but had received the title "Honoris Causa" from Grand Valley State University in the United States of America.

Veliaj's Bachelor's degree

But what is the truth about Veliaj's education?

Through an email announcement, the Communications Office of this university confirmed to CNA that Mayor Erion Veliaj only has a Bachelor's degree and that the information circulating so far is incorrect.

"Mr. Veliaj graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 2002 and in 2017, he was awarded the title "Honorary Doctor of Public Service" by GVSU," emphasized Chris Knape, Assistant to the Vice President of Grand Valley State University.

Meanwhile, the title "Honorary Doctor of Public Service" from GVSU is simply and only a certificate of appreciation awarded by this university to various individuals with an activity in public service, which based on the year of issuance, i.e. April 2017, belongs to the period when Veliaj had been in office at the institution for 4 years and had previously exercised the function of minister.

Title awarded to Veliaj

Veliaj, is the case of an individual who holds the highest position in the management structure of a municipality, possessing only a 'Bachelor's' degree, thus having the minimum possible educational background for a mayor.

Where could Erion Veliaj work with his degree?
April 20, 12:00

With just this bachelor's degree, according to the law, Veliaj could simply be one of the subordinates of the Directors of 5D, whom he appointed himself, but he would have difficulty getting a job with the education degree he has, unless they hired him for other services./CNA