In a social media statement, Berisha praised protesters who have demonstrated against Prime Minister Edi Rama for more than 80 days, saying their courage and sacrifice should inspire Albanians.

“I call on Democrats in Tirana and across Albania to turn September, through their participation in the civic protest, into the month of the decisive blow against this anti-Albanian regime and to move as one nation towards free and fair elections,” he said.

Berisha said Albania should emulate what he described as Kosovo’s repeated success in holding elections.

“Let September be the month in which we finally break away from this dictatorship,” he said.

He rejected claims that the Democratic Party was seeking to divide or take over the protests, saying the party had strongly supported them since June 3.

Asked whether he would join the protests, Berisha said he would not do so as long as they retained their civic character, arguing that his presence could be seen as an attempt to politicise the movement.

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Speaking at a news conference, Berisha said the protest movement, led by young people and citizens, had gained significant momentum and reflected broader public dissatisfaction with the government.

“I call on every supporter of the Democratic Party to join the protest of Tirana’s youth and citizens,” Berisha said, describing it as a movement that transcends political affiliations.

The Democratic Party leader said protesters were seeking the repeal of a number of laws that his party has opposed in parliament and challenged before the Constitutional Court, arguing that they conflict with the constitution and European Union standards.

Berisha also criticised the ruling Socialist Party for organising political events during the protests, accusing Prime Minister Rama of attempting to divert attention from the demonstrators’ demands.

He called on the government to refrain from what he described as counter-rallies and urged the international community to support the protesters’ cause.

The government has rejected opposition criticism and has described public protests as a normal part of democratic life.

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Addressing the meeting with the main opposition party supporters in Municipal Unit No. 9 in Tirana, Berisha said he had promised voters that their ballots would be protected and asserted that the pledge was upheld in the 2021 elections.

“When I said we would defend the vote, I did not mean with weapons, but through democratic means. Observers ensured transparency despite attempts to interfere,” he said.

Berisha also addressed Albania’s economic and demographic challenges, citing job losses from declining exports and industrial production, reduced remittances due to euro depreciation, and a population decline caused by low birth rates and emigration.

“From being one of the youngest nations in Europe, today deaths outnumber births, and Albania has lost nearly half a million residents to migration and demographic decline,” he said.

He urged party members to participate in an internal review, emphasizing constructive criticism and proposals, while rejecting personal attacks. Berisha also commented on the recent detention of former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, praising the handling of her case.

The event is part of Berisha’s broader town hall tour across Tirana to engage directly with citizens.

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Addressing a meeting with DP members in Tirana, Berisha also said that economic situation in the country was alarming, claiming that Albania ranked bottom in the region in terms of wages and pensions, saying the Socialist majority voted to increase their wages instead.

“The consumer card will be made available to refund Albanian citizens for the value added tax they pay for essential food items. We will also introduce clearly differentiated electricity price,” Berisha said.

He also said that the main opposition party went through an undeserved process, but DP emerged stronger. Berisha also voiced confidence that opposition will win the May 11 parliamentary elections in the country.

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