Sali Berisha, leader of Albania’s opposition Democratic Party (PD), described the February 20, 2026, rally in the capital as a triumph for citizens and democratic values, speaking at the party’s “Foltorja – Assembly of Citizens and MPs” on Monday.
“Dozens of thousands of protesters turned February 20 into the most powerful peaceful uprising Albania has seen since February 20, 1991,” Berisha said, praising the public’s mobilization against what he described as a regime that “steals, impoverishes, humiliates and drives citizens out of the country.”
He added: “February 20, 2026, was the day of your victory. The day of democratic ideals, civic courage, and citizens’ responsibility toward their nation. Tirana belonged to the people.”
Berisha also criticized the government’s handling of infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He said collapsed roads and bridges, including a segment in Dragostunjë, Librazhd, were caused by corruption and illegal interventions in riverbeds, rather than weather conditions.
“What is happening across southeastern Albania shows how corruption can affect one-third or one-quarter of the population,” Berisha said, accusing the government of failing to investigate any of the collapsed projects, which also include roads in Kuç–Fterë, Korçë, the Burrel ring road, and the Arbrit Road.
He criticized the rising cost of healthcare for citizens, the disappearance of 25,000 school computers distributed under his administration, and the inflated prices of new school computers.
Berisha concluded by urging citizens to continue protests, announcing the next demonstration for Saturday at 18:00, and reaffirmed the role of public mobilization in defending Albania’s dignity and securing political change.