TIRANA, May 1 /ATA/ – A delegation from the Democratic Party (DP), led by chairman Sali Berisha, together with the Republican Party delegation headed by Fatmir Mediu, participated in the International Democrat Union (IDU) forum in Zagreb, where they held talks with IDU President Stephen Harper.
Berisha expressed appreciation for the continued support the IDU has provided to the main opposition DP during what he described as politically challenging periods in Albania.
According to DP’s press office, Berisha raised concerns about Albania’s democratic environment, citing international assessments that classify Albania as an “electoral autocracy.”
He also pointed to mass emigration as one of Albania’s most pressing challenges, stating that more than 1.1 million citizens, largely young people, have left the country for European Union member states.
Berisha argued that Albania is currently advancing primarily on geopolitical grounds in its EU integration path, while stressing that the process should remain merit-based and dependent on the fulfillment of democratic standards. He further claimed that integration has been slowed by what he described as state capture by the current government.
IDU President Stephen Harper, meanwhile, welcomed what he described as the strong pro-NATO orientation of Albanian citizens, despite government policies. He reaffirmed the IDU’s full support for DP and other opposition parties in Albania, as well as for the country’s European integration aspirations.
On the sidelines of the forum, Berisha also met with North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding and advancing the rights of the Albanian community in North Macedonia, describing it as essential for domestic stability and the development of an inclusive and democratic state.
The discussions also highlighted the need to further strengthen economic cooperation and expand bilateral trade.
The Albanian delegation included Fatmir Mediu, MPs Albana Vokshi and Belind Këlliçi, and International Relations Secretary Enri Çeno.
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