In a statement posted on X, the centre-right political grouping said any allegations of excessive, unlawful or disproportionate use of force must be investigated promptly, thoroughly and independently, adding that law enforcement authorities must always act proportionately.

“Albania’s future lies in a democratic, prosperous, and European path, with an accountable government, the rule of law, fight of corruption and a future of opportunity at home. Any unlawful violence and attacks from all sides, especially against property and personal integrity, have no place in a democracy as the current tensions have to be addressed through dialogue, de-escalation and democratic engagement,” the EPP stated.

The main centre-right group also stressed that the voice of young people must be heard and their right to peacefully protests protected.

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Addressing a meeting of the DP parliamentary group, Berisha said he had presented what he described as the “real situation” in Albania, claiming that tens of thousands of citizens had mobilised against the government.

According to Berisha, protesters are calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation and the repeal of laws they consider incompatible with Albania’s constitution and European environmental and cultural heritage standards.

“I strongly denounced Edi Rama’s irresponsible attitude toward the protesters, as well as the threats, insults and labels directed at what I consider the strongest youth and civic protest movement the country has seen,” Berisha said.

He said he had urged EPP leaders and participants to use their influence to help resolve what he described as a deep political crisis through peaceful means, including Rama’s resignation and the formation of a technical government to prepare new elections in the country.

Berisha also called for international support for the demonstrators, arguing that their demands were legitimate and should be addressed through political dialogue rather than force.

He noted that the protests had not been organised by DP but said the opposition fully supported them because it considered their demands justified.

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According to a press release from the DP press office, Montserrat congratulated Berisha on his reconfirmation as chairman of the Democratic Party, as well as on the National Assembly that is set to be held on the upcoming Saturday.

“We discussed in a very friendly and constructive atmosphere the political developments in Albania, the challenges that democracy in the country faces, as well as the European journey of Albanians”, Berisha said about the meeting.

During the meeting, Berisha highlighted European integration as the lifelong dream of Albanians—a desire to be a respected part of the European family. “Albanians have earned their place in the EU,” he asserted, “but entrenched corruption, the state capture and a pervasive drug economy block our path to meeting European standards.”

According to the DP press release, during the conversation, Berisha and Montserrat shared their concern about the massive exodus of Albanian youth, the weakening of the rule of law and the urgent need for free and fair elections, as the foundation of a functional democracy.

He expressed his gratitude for the continuous and very valuable support that Dolors Montserrat and the European People’s Party have given to the Democratic Party and the Albanian opposition throughout all these years.

The solidarity and support of the EPP, according to Berisha, have been vital in the battle for democracy, pluralism and European values. /m.m/ /a.g/p.s./

Speaking to reporters, Berisha stated that the participants were representatives of 28 parties, while the central topic of the discussions was the elections.

“There are two resolutions on Albania elections; one was approved in Malta in 2024, the other was approved in April 2025 and it was our request to have a fact-finding mission to see all the developments in the country.

“We are very grateful to them,” Berisha said.

Berisha said that elections were the central topic of the meeting. “We also discussed what is happening, the destruction of the justice system,” he said.

Berisha emphasized that from this important mission, the DP expects recommendations, but also new support for the already well-known demands that Albania holds free elections, for the rule of law to function.

“Of course, they come at a very critical time, when Edi Rama has actually or ‘de facto’ destroyed the justice system while high-ranking officials are under charge, which is fundamental in terms of punishment of high-ranking officials who steal from the citizens”, said Berisha.

Referring also to the situation with the collapse of Librazhd-Pogradec road, Berisha stated that, “The roads they built is plagued by severe structural failure. It is evidence of complete, total failure due to the theft of all investments.”

But since I mentioned the roads, I have the greatest concern for the tens and hundreds of sick people in the southeastern area, who undergo treatment procedures in Tirana and who today remain without treatment”, he added. /m.m/a.f/p.s./

Berisha stated that government-linked drug cartels dominate the drug markets in Europe and that Albania has become a major center for money laundering through construction industry and tourist resorts.

“I expressed the request that the member states of the Council of Europe, the parliaments of these countries raise their voices against this serious threat that comes from a small country that has all the great potential for development, but has been plunged into drugs by the regime, only for electoral purposes”, said Berisha.

Berisha also spoke about “conversion therapy”, describing it as an inhuman practice and aggression against children. According to the Chairman of the DP, this approach aims to establish a dangerous dictatorship of the extreme left in Albania and beyond.

“This is the propaganda of the extreme left that aims to restore a dangerous dictatorship of the extreme left-wing, not only in Albania, but also in Europe and the world,” Berisha said.

He stressed that although it was a contentious issue, there were great reservations in public towards the report, which according to him attempted to legitimize “conversion therapy” against children. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

In a press statement after the two-day EPP congress in Valencia, Spain, Berisha said that the EPP congress was Europe’s most important political forum attended by the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, 14 European prime ministers, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the European Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola, as well as many EU commissioners and MPEs.

According to Berisha, “whole world expect DP to win May 11 general elections, being convinced that Albania’s EU membership may become a reality under government of this political force.”

Opposition leader underlined that “a fourth resolution condemning Prime Minister Edi Rama and his regime was approved within five months’ time.”

Berisha said that his speech at the EPP congress was “welcomed and had a very positive impact,” adding: “So, I think I did my job in front of Albanian opposition supporters, as well as in front of every Albanian citizen, because everyone should know these truths and this can serve best interests of Albanians.”

He stated that EPP expressed full support for Albania’s main opposition DP and the opposition people.

In the meantime, DP press office announced today that “EPP has unanimously adopted a resolution, expressing deep concern over electoral manipulation, state capture, and the deterioration of democratic standards in Albania under the rule of Prime Minister Edi Rama — especially in the lead-up to the May 11, 2025 elections.”

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Berisha expressed gratitude to the EPP women, such as: Rosalia Biro, Albana Vokshi, Mariya Gabriel, Doris Pack, etc., for the support they gave to the DP during difficult periods.

He congratulated the ladies of the EPP describing them as undefeated fighters and expressed gratitude for their continuous support to the DP and the cause of freedom.

According to him, the regime in Albania was supported by the previous US administration, but in a way, it was also silently blessed by the EU.

“And this caused the narco-dictator of this country to walk around Europe and the world in white sneakers, posing as a painter or athlete, at a time when he was the person who arrested three opposition leaders in context of his project of Albania without opposition”, said the leader of the DP.

Berisha praised this organization as an important support for the DP and freedom in the country. /a.g/p.s./

Speaking to reporters, the leading democrat said that, “The summit focused on the Western Balkans in relation to the integration processes, challenges and obstacles”.

“I had the opportunity to present the views of the Democratic Party on the integration processes of Albania and the region. Of course, from the opposition’s point of view, the slowdown of this process has internal causes, according to the countries”, said Berisha.

According to Berisha, “In Albania, the narco-state is the main obstacle to the country’s integration into the EU”.

“Albania, as the first and only narco-state in Europe, is not fully recognized as such, but I think that more and more is being contributed to making the Albanian reality known to the political elite of the European center-right and beyond”, said Berisha.

Berisha said that the slowdown in the integration process is entirely due to local factors.

“It happens because of the failure to respect democratic standards, the deep penetration of crime in governance and the use of political terror to obtain votes and mandates”, said Berisha. /j.p/p.s./