Drawing parallels between the current government and the former communist regime, Berisha warned that history must not be forgotten and said the country is facing consequences even more severe than in the past.

“Perhaps we are gathered in our peaceful uprising at the most critical moment in Albania in the last 35 years. Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. Here we are, a sea of fighters, brave men and women determined to defend Albania,” he said, invoking the country’s natural wealth and referencing the atrocities of Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship, including killings, persecution, executions, concentration camps, and the infamous secret police.

Berisha added that the last 13 years have brought consequences that, in his view, continue to erode the daily existence of Albanians.

He reiterated claims that the May 11 elections were a sham, citing international resolutions to support his position.

“We have every document proving the May 11 elections were a farce. We called it a ‘narco-state’ because it is one. There are seven resolutions from major parties in Europe and worldwide agreeing with this fact,” he said.

Berisha also criticized the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding Belinda Balluku, alleging executive interference and pressure on the judiciary.

Addressing protesters, he thanked them for their previous demonstrations, which he said sent a clear message both domestically and internationally. “Your revolt in the last protest sent a clear signal inside and outside the country that we will never tolerate a coup,” he said, adding that any new attempt at a coup would fail.

Berisha concluded by emphasizing February’s symbolic significance for the opposition and protesters. “February is the month when we overthrew the dictator. February is the month when we will liberate Albania. Your revolt today is the voice of civic conscience, of citizen dignity, and of national awareness,” he said.

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The British Embassy underlined its continued support for Albanian aspirations for a functioning parliament and democracy.

In a press statement, the Embassy also put emphasis on the need for full implementation of the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations on elections.

“The British Embassy in Tirana has always supported Albanian aspirations for a functioning parliament and democracy. That requires structures that enable citizens and their elected representatives to draft laws, hold government to account and debate important issues to reflect the interests of all citizens. This includes implementing the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations on elections in full,” the Embassy said in its statement.

“We welcome His Excellency the President’s call yesterday for an active Parliament that holds the executive responsible through a continuous demand for transparency and accountability, and to replace political conflict with constructive cooperation. We urge all politicians to heed that message,” the Embassy said.

The British Embassy denied any mediation efforts for a political agreement.

“While we have not mediated any political agreement, we continue to encourage mutually respectful and constructive dialogue in good faith between those who wish to represent the people of Albania.  That is in the national interest, and also crucial for the confidence of international partners and business investment to build a better future for all Albanians,” the British Embassy stated.

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