TIRANA, June 30 /ATA/ The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, told Parliament that the civic protest has lost its original purpose and has become a movement driven by a small group without public legitimacy.
In his remarks, Balla accused the Democratic Party of joining the protest after, as he put it, “they were denied the square,” and said the demonstration does not weaken the Socialist Party but the opposition.
“The protest achieved its aim. You were defeated by the protest; it cannot defeat us. No one can defeat the Socialist Party of Albania,” he said.
Balla informed Parliament that Albanian structures and NATO partners had identified the involvement of malicious state actors, media, organisations and foreign interests in the protest.
He added that the protest has been “privatised” by a small group, which, he said, includes individuals with criminal records, stressing that citizens’ demands should be heard, but not through the current organisers.
.The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group also said that polls show the Democratic Party at its lowest-ever level of support, adding that the protest will not save it politically.
“The Democratic Party is at an all time low. This protest does not help it in any way and will not save the Democratic Party,” Balla said.
Continuing his speech, he condemned the use of antisemitic language and the removal of the Israeli flag during the protest, describing them as unacceptable for Albania and its traditions.
According to Balla, the protest has changed its character, and its organisers lack transparency and legitimacy to represent citizens.
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