Albania’s main opposition leader Sali Berisha on Friday called for renewed mass protests against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government, saying recent developments in Venezuela should serve as motivation for the opposition to intensify pressure for political change at home.
Berisha, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, made the comments in his first public address of the year, delivered via social media. He referred to reports of the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, describing the developments as encouraging not only for Venezuelans but also for Albanians.
“These developments in Venezuela are a strong encouragement for the Albanian opposition to do its duty – to remove as soon as possible a person who, in our view, stands above stolen votes, links with crime and drugs, and the theft of Albanians’ wealth,” Berisha said.
Berisha accused Prime Minister Rama of concentrating power and undermining democratic institutions, arguing that protests had become the only remaining avenue for change. He said the justice system no longer functioned independently and claimed Rama would not accept decisions that went against his interests.
“All indications are that Edi Rama will not accept the verdict of the justice institutions,” Berisha said, adding that this would amount to the creation of what he described as “absolute power.” He said the opposition would respond with what he called an “absolute” reaction, including new large-scale demonstrations.
Berisha also announced plans to hold talks with other opposition parties in an effort to form a broad front against Rama’s Socialist Party government.
“The goal is to build the widest possible common front in this decisive battle for the future of democracy in Albania,” he said.
Rama and his government have repeatedly rejected opposition accusations of corruption and authoritarianism, saying the judiciary operates independently and that reforms have strengthened the rule of law.
Albania, a NATO member and a candidate for European Union membership, has been politically polarised for years, with repeated street protests and election boycotts by the opposition. The European Union has repeatedly urged Albania’s political actors to resolve disputes through institutions and dialogue rather than confrontation.
The comments come amid heightened international attention on Venezuela following U.S. actions against Maduro, whom Washington has long accused of drug trafficking and undermining democracy – allegations denied by the Venezuelan government.