Occupying public spaces in Korça/Suspicions of abuse by the Municipal Police and taxes

2025-07-09 14:17:00, Aktualitet CNA

The occupation of public spaces in the city of Korça is becoming an everyday occurrence, raising concerns about the real function of shared spaces . Such cases are numerous, but two areas in the heart of the city draw attention to the way in which spaces dedicated to pedestrians have become extensions of private activities.

In front of the city's cinema, several bars located one after the other have occupied the sidewalk with chairs and tables , limiting the possibility of circulation for passers-by. Images provided by CNA clearly show how the sidewalk is overflowing with tables and chairs, forcing citizens to walk on the little space left as sidewalk.

Although this occupation is permitted by local authorities, the concern does not go away. The permit has not brought a solution to balance the needs of businesses and the right of citizens to move freely in public spaces.

The situation is repeated in front of the city library , where a hotel with a bar environment, called "In Gallery", has been built, which has occupied a significant part of the sidewalk. Even in this case, according to the data provided, permission was granted by the Korça Municipal Council, but the reality on the ground shows that the original function of the sidewalk as a space for pedestrian movement has been overlooked.

In Korça there are many other mismanaged public properties, which means that the areas that are rented are much smaller than the area that businesses manage and pay taxes to the local government . In Korça there are many suspicions of abuse and mismanagement by the Municipal Police and tax structures.

While the municipality and relevant institutions often appeal for respect for public spaces, these cases show that even official permits can produce consequences that fall directly on citizens . In a city that promotes tourism and the quality of urban life, the balance between economic development and citizens' right to space remains a real challenge./ CNA