TIRANA, June 13 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha on Saturday called on Albanians to support ongoing protests in Tirana, describing them as an unprecedented youth-led movement against government policies.
Speaking during an online discussion with citizens, Berisha said the demonstrations, now in their 13th day, had evolved from concerns over transparency and the alleged mistreatment of a resident in Zvërnec into a broader challenge to what he described as an authoritarian government.
Berisha said the protests reflected the courage and civic awareness of Albania’s youth, accusing the government of undermining elections, pressuring the opposition and public administration, and engaging in corruption.
“The movement carries the courage of Albania’s young people and their determination to free the country from an autocratic regime that has turned elections into a farce,” he said.
He argued that young Albanians were protesting over emigration, declining education standards, low pensions and wages, and shortcomings in the healthcare system.
Calling for broad public support, Berisha urged opposition supporters and all citizens to back the demonstrations, saying they transcend party politics.
“Every Albanian who loves this country and wants to live here with dignity should support these protests,” he said.
Berisha said the movement included politically unaffiliated citizens as well as supporters of parties from across the political spectrum, adding that differences over slogans should not distract from what he called the protests’ broader mission.
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