The government head stated that his admiration for parents of children with special abilities has led him to advocate for doubling the government support for them.

Addressing a campaign meeting with retired people in Gjirokaster, PM Rama – also leader of the ruling Socialist Party – said that opposition supporters are unable to understand the importance of the May 11 elections.

In a video posted on the social media on Tuesday evening, PM Rama expressed regret.

“To err is human, but not to apologize when you err is not gentlemanly. I unintentionally offended autistic children and their parents by speaking of political autism, a phrase that stuck in my mind because it is often used in political and academic literature. I apologize and assure you of my respect and admiration for parents of children with special needs, which have led me to advocate for doubling their government support. This is something I have emphasized more than once recently and the government support for them will be envisaged in the 2026 state draft budget”, Rama noted.

The Socialist leader also accused opposition of opportunism, saying they are taking advantage of any unintentional remarks.

“The hounds barking behind me, seizing on autistic children like the drowning man catching at straws in order to gain points with those parents, I promise to spend every energy until May 11 to teach them the lesson they deserve for all their countless wrongdoings against this country and its people,” Rama stated.

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