TIRANA, June 9 /ATA/ The chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, on Tuesday expressed his support for a civic movement that has emerged in recent days opposing the investment in Zvërnec, while emphasizing that the initiative is not organized by the Democratic Party.
Speaking at a conference of the European People’s Party (EPP) currently underway in Sarajevo, Berisha described the movement as a significant civic initiative and stressed that it should conclude peacefully, helping to address the serious crisis currently affecting Albania.
He described Albania as being “in the emergency room,” and in the grip of a severe political, institutional and social crisis.
He added that the country’s underlying problem remains the lack of free and fair elections, which he described as a “sham process” that had been documented by international institutions.
In this context, he reiterated his call for a caretaker government that would ensure an electoral process that is fair and in line with democratic standards.
“Albania is in the emergency room. It is in an urgent situation. It is facing protests unlike any seen before,” said the leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, accusing the government of pursing a cynical approach and ignoring the growing crisis.
The leader of the Democratic Party warned that the situation could deteriorate into serious clashes unless a peaceful solution is found, stressing that the “movement is unstoppable” and that it represents not only a political force but a broader civic reaction.
“My country needs a peaceful and civil solution, avoiding a potential confrontation that could take the country many years back or into severe regression. The movement is unstoppable. I tell you this: it is not only a movement of my party, but it is unstoppable,” said Berisha.
He said it was of fundamental importance that the situation be taken seriously and resolved through a peaceful solution, including the establishment of a caretaker government to lead the country towards free and fair elections.
He added that the crisis must be addressed in a civilised and peaceful manner, warning against any confrontation that could arise if the government continued to act in the same way, either by ignoring or dismissing concerns as irrelevant.
Berisha also said it was “very important to keep alive the hope of our nations for a European future as the best possible future.”
“I believe the most fundamental issue for our countries, which in a way undermines their path towards the European Union, is the weakness and disregard for the rule of law. There is nothing more fundamental than strengthening the rule of law in order to make citizens freer. The essence of this process is for the citizens of our countries to become freer, more prosperous and more secure,” he said.
“Today my country is in a serious condition, which has given rise to an unprecedented civic and youth movement. While there are different slogans, the core issue is the violation of national and international rule of law. In the Zvërnec area, which is a lagoon, the law must be respected, along with the Natura 2000 framework and European Union directives on habitats and birdlife,” said Sali Berisha.
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