Erion Braçe clarifies land use laws amid Albanian forest fires

Albanian Socialist Party MP Erion Braçe has addressed the recent surge in forest fires that have destroyed thousands of hectares across the country. Braçe emphasized that the legal status of burned areas remains unchanged, asserting that even if a forest is destroyed by fire, its designation as forest or forest fund remains permanent.

He clarified that burned land cannot be repurposed for the construction of hotels, resorts, photovoltaic parks, or wind farms. Braçe criticized those spreading rumors that fires are being set to facilitate commercial development, stating that the law explicitly prohibits such changes in land use.

Furthermore, the MP criticized those who focus on political debate rather than demanding the prosecution of arsonists, calling for the Parliament to verify the application of forest laws and the legality of permits in burned territories.