TIRANA, Oct 25 /ATA/ Democratic Party chairman Sali Berisha today voiced his support for what he called the student uprising, referring to the protests that have swept Tirana in recent days.
Speaking to citizens on social media, he described yesterday’s protest as a day of triumph for citizens and students.
“The students triumphed because they proved to Albanians and the international community alike that no violence, terror or threats can defeat them.
They are determined to defend their cause at any cost against a narco-dictator and the institutions of a narco-state that, through theft and crime, are driving them out of Albania,” Berisha said.
The Democratic Party leader said the student uprising had emerged as a call to action at one of the nation’s most critical moments. “Never in the past 10 years has our nation lost 47 per cent, perhaps even more, of its population living in Albania,” he stressed.
“That is why yesterday, alongside the students, thousands upon thousands of citizens also took to the streets, mobilised by the Democratic Party, education trade unions, miners’ unions, and the professional chambers of architects, engineers and others.
“It was magnificent!” Berisha said.
He also addressed the criticism directed at him during the protest.
“From the very beginning, we have made it clear that we stand, and will continue to stand, firmly behind this protest, committing all our resources to support it. Those who think they can intimidate us for backing the protest are only deceiving themselves. Our support is unwavering,” Berisha said, noting that young Democratic Party members had played an active role in the demonstrations.
Asked about alleged police violence during the protest, Berisha said the “Shqiponja” Special Force and RENEA would be disbanded and that their members would face consequences for the crimes they had committed.
Regarding the measures announced by Prime Minister Edi Rama today to address urban violence, Berisha said citizens should reject all of them and rise up against Rama in a head-on confrontation.
“I declare here that there is no law or force in the world that can prevent the Democratic Party from fulfilling its mission: his removal from office, the formation of a caretaker government, and free and fair elections. These are powerful and legitimate demands of the student uprising,” Berisha concluded.
/sm/
