Speaking at an event organised by the Democratic Party’s department for former political prisoners under the theme “Crime Must Not Be Forgotten,” Berisha likened the current government to a dictatorship, accusing it of undermining Albania’s future.

He also referred to the execution of dissident poet Havzi Nela under the communist regime, saying Albania could no longer witness firing squads or internment camps but arguing that, politically, the current government resembled the country’s former dictatorship.

Turning to the ongoing demonstrations, Berisha described them as a major civic and youth movement.

“We must do everything to ensure the success of this protest. Every Albanian should be prepared for the decisive battle against this regime to save Albania,” he said.

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Supporters assembled along the capital’s main Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard after initially gathering at the DP headquarters. Party leader Sali Berisha, accompanied by senior DP officials and coalition partners, joined protesters after meeting supporters at the party’s offices.

The rally began with the national anthem. Actress Rajmonda Bulku, who took part in the anti-communist student protests of December 1990, delivered the opening address.

She invoked the events of Feb. 20, 1991, when protesters toppled the statue of former communist leader Enver Hoxha in Tirana, describing it as a defining moment in Albania’s transition from decades of isolationist communist rule.

“We joined the historic student strike. We were not afraid,” Bulku told the crowd. “We fought against an army that was the Communist Party. We removed fear and found courage because we wanted freedom and to bring down the harshest communist system.” She urged demonstrators to revive that spirit to build a better future for younger generations in Albania.

Police implemented traffic restrictions at several key intersections in the capital.

In a statement, Tirana police said they would not assume responsibility for the conduct of the rally, citing information suggesting the potential for violent acts.

Tensions have flared at previous demonstrations. During the opposition’s third national protest on Feb. 10, clashes broke out after protesters threw fireworks and petrol bombs toward the Prime Minister’s office. Police said 21 people were arrested and 19 officers injured.

The Democratic Party has accused the government of undermining democratic standards and is pressing for a caretaker cabinet to organize new elections, a demand the ruling majority has rejected.

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Protesters gathered initially at the DP headquarters and marched to the boulevard alongside party leader Sali Berisha and other senior opposition officials.

Speaking from a podium in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, DP representatives addressed the crowd, outlining their political positions and protest demands.

DP Deputy Chairman Agron Gjekmarkaj described the protest as an extraordinary response to a government “approaching its end,” accusing it of breaking promises, undermining free elections, and turning the state into an instrument of power.

“Today we are not here for an ordinary protest. We are here because this system of illegitimacy is nearing its conclusion. This system has broken every promise, undermined the free vote, and extended its own life through unworthy maneuvers, turning the state into an instrument of power,” Gjekmarkaj said.

He added that the current government is sacrificing the country’s European future for its own interests and is ready “to tear up the Constitution through majority tyranny.” Gjekmarkaj emphasized that “when justice is subjected to power, democracy slowly begins and dies.”

He also criticized widespread corruption and said the protest aimed to defend pluralism, the rule of law, and the country’s future.

The Democratic Party is demanding the government resign, the formation of a technical administration, and the holding of free elections.

Police implemented measures to maintain public order, including restrictions on vehicle traffic along several streets.

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