Ervin Salianji has chosen Peshkopia to deliver one of the strongest political messages against Sali Berisha and the way the Democratic Party is being run. In a meeting with supporters, Salianji stated that the high participation of the Democrats is the best proof that the race in the DP exists and that it does not take place in television studios, but "in the squares".
Enthusiastic about the number of participants, he said that future meetings will be even larger, warning that "Tirana awaits them very soon," even adding that the pace of support could take the rallies to the stadium.
Salijanj's statements come at a time when the protests organized by Berisha in Tirana have shown a noticeable decline in participation, a contrast that he himself used to emphasize that the spirit of the democrats is not controlled by "a usurping leadership."
"This is the best answer for anyone who says there is no competition. The DP cannot be usurped and cannot go backwards," he declared at the start of his speech.
Salianji said that, despite the losses and the way the party has been administered over the past 13 years, the DP remains the only force that can bring political change to the country. But, according to him, this can only happen if the party returns to its founding values and opens up to internal competition.
In his speech, he directly attacked Berisha for his stances towards the European Union ambassador in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, saying that attacks on diplomats do not represent the Democratic Party, but the personal interests of a man who "has taken the party hostage."
"Albania and the DP cannot be a tower from which ambassadors are shot," he said.
Further, Salianji held Berisha responsible for the DP's long stay in opposition, stating that he "cannot bring the DP to power today, tomorrow, or ever." According to him, every day that Berisha remains at the helm of the party is a loss for the opposition and a direct aid to Edi Rama.
He called Berisha a "political dinosaur" and a symbol of the past, while adding that the exclusion of critical voices and internal opponents is the path that will lead the DP towards political extinction.
"When Sali Berisha can't beat me with the list, the media and the regime, how will he beat Rama?" declared Salianji, demanding the opening of the party, allowing factions and respecting different opinions within the Democrats.
