The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, accused the government of negligence and lack of sensitivity toward pensioners and vulnerable groups, while calling on citizens to mobilize for the April 17 protest in Tirana.
He stated that this date should mark “the most powerful peaceful uprising” to respond to what he described as a regime harming citizens.
Berisha called for an urgent halving of fuel taxes, describing the current fiscal burden as among the highest in the world. According to him, taxes make up up to 60% of the retail price of fuel.
“In this context, it is essential first to halve the fiscal burden per liter of fuel, bringing it in line with neighboring countries such as North Macedonia and Kosovo, where it is almost 50% lower than in Albania. Any other maneuver is ineffective and serves the government’s treasury,” he said.
He also raised concerns about rising prices, particularly for food and fuel, which he said are significantly burdening citizens’ living conditions.
According to Berisha, from the increase in fuel prices from 170 to 220 lek per liter, the government collects around 80 million euros per year, but “not a single cent has been distributed to pensioners or citizens.”
He also called for compensation for pensioners, small businesses, and farmers, while accusing the government of corruption and declining standards, warning of potential consequences for the integration process.
Responding to journalists’ questions, Berisha expressed support for farmers’ protests and called for massive participation in the April 17 protest in Tirana, describing it as a necessary reaction to the current situation.
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