In his message to Albanian students, teachers and parents, Berisha said the new school year had begun against the backdrop of what he called a major demographic and educational alarm.

“Within just one year, Albania has lost around 5,900 primary school pupils. Their number has fallen from 146,962 to 141,089, a decline of around 4%,” Berisha said.

He contrasted the figure with the European Union, where, he said, the decline had been just 0.2%.

Berisha attributed the fall to government policies that, he said, had failed to halt depopulation, emigration and the departure of Albanian families.

“Albania is emptying out, but the narco-government, which is also the cause of this depopulation, is only pleased with it,” DP leader said.

/u.sh/