The leader of the Democratic Party of Albania, Sali Berisha, held an online discussion with citizens this Saturday.
Berisha addressed a number of issues, including the next protest, which is scheduled to take place on May 8. He stated that peaceful protest remains the Democratic Party’s choice, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is the removal of Edi Rama’s government.
“First of all, no one dictates our tactics, and no one has dictated them to us. A peaceful uprising is our choice, with full belief that this is the best path. Our red line is protest until the removal of Edi Rama. It may be tiring, exhausting, and difficult, but this is what we have chosen.
Our red line — protest until the removal of Edi Rama — is vital not only for Albania and the Democratic Party, but also for ensuring the country has a strong opposition voice. Those who are bothered by the Democratic Party’s protests are mistaken, if they oppose the regime. They are very wrong.
The Democratic Party’s protest is the voice of those citizens who dare to take to the streets. For what issues? They protest issues that are equally damaging to every honest citizen of this country, regardless of political beliefs. Just imagine if the Democratic Party did not take to the streets and instead followed the silent majority — what would that mean for Albania? You should keep in mind that Albania today is an authoritarian dictatorship.
An authoritarian dictatorship differs from totalitarian ones because it accepts pluralism — but suppresses it. It suppresses pluralism. To those who doubt this, let us ask a question: in what kind of regime are opposition leaders arrested as persons under investigation during an election year? Can you realize what that means? What is the purpose of such arrests? The purpose is one and only one — to seize elections at all costs.
In what kind of regime are drug cartels used to determine election results, as they did in Durrës, Elbasan, Vlorë, Fier, and several other cities?
The Democratic Party is undergoing a process of reorganization and renewal. It has an open competition in which everyone is invited to participate. Never, ever will Edi Rama be able to determine the leader of this party. I guarantee you that. Every democrat is welcome to take part, to assume their position, and I assure you that a lot of work is being done to create greater space for young people. But the leader of this party will be chosen only by democrats through their vote — and never by anyone else,” Berisha said.
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