Berisha said he expressed gratitude for continued support for the Democratic Party and the Albanian opposition during talks with German lawmakers.

According to Berisha, discussions focused on what he described as Albania’s deep political crisis under Prime Minister Edi Rama, as well as recent youth protests and the government’s response.

He was accompanied by Democratic Party lawmaker Tomor Alizoti.

During the visit, Berisha held separate meetings with several German officials, including Tilman Kuban, the CDU/CSU spokesperson for European policy; Christian Kremer, head of international relations at the CDU; Peter Beyer, rapporteur for transatlantic relations and Western Balkans affairs; and Olav Gutting, a CDU/CSU parliamentarian responsible for finance and budget issues.

He also met Elmar Brok, a former senior European Parliament lawmaker who chaired its Foreign Affairs, Security and Human Rights Committee for two decades, as well as journalist Peter Tiede of the German daily Bild.

Berisha additionally met former Kosovo deputy minister Gani Dreshaj and representatives of the Albanian diaspora in Germany.

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The DP delegation was composed by MPs Jorida Tabaku and Klevis Balliu.

Bardhi emphasized that that they held an open discussion with Lips on the standards that Albania must meet in the integration process, where the fight against corruption and fair elections are at the core of this process.

Bardhi emphasized that the fight against corruption remains the main challenge that hinders the country’s real advancement towards the European Union.

“A political culture that becomes a shield for corruption not only damages the trust of the citizens, but also blocks Albania’s progress on the path of integration. Albania is at a key moment, where it is necessary to move from rhetoric to concrete action”, he emphasized.

According to Bardhi, the European values cannot remain mere statements on paper, but must be rendered into standards applicable in practice, through real reforms and measurable results.

“Germany strongly supports Albania’s integration into the European Union based on merit and standards that help the well-being of Albanian citizens. Germany is, without question, Albania’s most valuable ally on its European path,” said Bardhi. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

The leading democrat shared several photos in the social media while he met with CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who is running to be the next Chancellor of Germany.

Berisha also recalled his first meeting with Chancellor Helmut Kohl, 34 years ago, in Bonn, describing it as a good omen for the opposition’s victory.

“A warm handshake with the next Chancellor of Germany, the most powerful man in Europe, Friedrich Merz. 34 years ago, Chancellor Helmut Kohl would have been the first Chancellor I would meet in Bonn! A white omen for the opposition’s victory!”, Berisha wrote. /j.p/p.s./