TIRANA, June 8 /ATA/ The Chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, issued a statement today regarding the ongoing protests in Tirana against the Zvërnec investment project.
In his social media message, Berisha emphasized that the Democratic Party “has consistently and unequivocally condemned the use of force and the detention of peaceful protesters in Zvërnec, the derogatory language used by Prime Minister Edi Rama against them, and the encirclement of the village with barbed wire, reminiscent of times of occupation.
He added that the Democratic Party has never instructed its members or supporters not to participate in or support the protest, notwithstanding what he described as coordinated appeals by the so-called “opposition of the opposition,” which he characterised as a proven instrument of the government used against the party and in pursuit of its own political agenda.
Berisha said the Democratic Party is the main opposition force that has strongly opposed what he called the “narco-regime,” claiming it has paid a high political price for this stance.
He added that the party has consistently rejected government legislation on strategic investments, public–private partnerships, environmental and cultural heritage issues, both in parliament and in some court proceedings, and therefore fully supports the protesters’ demands for the repeal of these laws.
Berisha said the Democratic Party values the environmental activism of young people, citizens, and civil society, describing it as an important achievement for the country.
He went on saying the DP has been the most active political force in opposing environmental damage from government-backed projects and developments, citing several national parks, rivers, and infrastructure projects, and said the party is proud of its stance despite the political cost.
He further stated that, in the case of Zvërnec, the primary cause of the protests stems from a total lack of governmental transparency.
Berisha stated that the Democratic Party fully supports the five legitimate demands of the youth and civic movement representatives. He added that Prime Minister Edi Rama should “resign immediately, meet the movement’s demands, and allow the formation of a caretaker government to prepare for free and fair elections in Albania.”
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