TIRANA, October 18 /ATA/ Chairman of the Democratic Party Sali Berisha received at the DP headquarters representatives of the Heritage Foundation and the Human Flourishing Center, with whom he discussed the political situation in Albania, the protests against the government, family issues and the request for the creation of a caretaker government.
Berisha informed the American representatives about the protests against the government, which he described as student protests against corruption, the drug state and election manipulation. He added that the Democratic Party is committed to support this movement.
Berisha accused the government of alleged links between organized crime and state institutions, claiming that Albanian drug cartels have influence in the police, judiciary and prosecution, as well as links with representatives of the executive branch.
Speaking about the economy, Berisha claimed that the depreciation of the euro and USD, the decline in industrial production and the growth of the construction sector are related to the impact of the illegal economy.
He also referred to figures—which he attributed to Eurostat—regarding Albanian emigration over the last decade, as well as the decline in birth rates, describing these developments as having serious consequences for the country.
In conclusion, citing the conditions under which the last Parliamentary elections took place and the findings of international reports, Berisha reiterated his call for the formation of a technical government, which he considers an essential prerequisite for ensuring free and fair elections. /gj.m/a.f/p.s./
