The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, held a meeting today with representatives of the United Opposition Federation, where he accused Prime Minister Rama of manipulating the elections and using state and criminal resources for electoral purposes.
Berisha stated that "the power of drugs in Edi Rama's regime plays a role in the outcome of the elections," adding that the government is using every mechanism to ensure victory. He also recounted an episode that, according to him, was told to him by a DP branch chairman after the May 11 elections.
According to Berisha, a family of three, who support the opposition, faced pressure on election night. The head of the family told him that an unknown person had knocked on the door and left an envelope containing 1,000 euros, as well as a note with the message "don't go to the elections tomorrow."
"I struggled all night, whether to go or not. On the other hand, there was also the threat from within. In the end, I did not go," Berisha quoted the citizen, describing him as an "honest man" who was put between pressure and threat.
During his speech, Berisha accused Rama of being the "main representative of the drug cartels," saying that the prime minister took measures "more savage than Maduro," including, according to him, the criminal prosecution of opposition leaders and the organization of over 4,000 activities prohibited by law. Also, according to him, the government distributed legalizations and forgave fines with the aim of winning the elections.
Berisha stressed that today's meeting aims to find a common agreement on electoral and territorial reform. "Albania today is a black spot on the map of Europe, an electoral autocracy that accepts pluralism, but suppresses it," he said, referring to the latest OSCE/ODIHR report.
However, none of the coalition's main allies were present at the meeting. Fatmir Mediu is abroad and was represented by a municipal councilor, while MP Burnilda Hoxha attended from the Freedom Party. Agron Duka was also absent.
