Democratic Party (PD) leader Sali Berisha said on Tuesday that Albania’s opposition had received “full and unequivocal support” from the European People’s Party (EPP) during its congress in Valencia, where key EU leaders gathered ahead of the May 11 municipal elections.
“This is Europe’s most important political forum today, attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, 14 European prime ministers, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, numerous commissioners and MEPs,” Berisha said in a media statement.
He said that PD’s expected success in the May 11 vote would pave the way for Albania’s EU integration, adding that “the world awaits a Democratic Party victory.”
Berisha also noted that the EPP was expected to pass a resolution later on Tuesday condemning what it described as serious democratic backsliding under Prime Minister Edi Rama. “This is the fourth resolution in five months that denounces Rama and his regime,” he said.
Asked about the tone of his speech to the congress, Berisha said it had been well received. “I believe I fulfilled my duty to the Albanian opposition and to every Albanian citizen. These truths must be told and fought for – it is in everyone’s best interest.”
He said the EPP resolution would strongly criticise the Albanian government’s handling of elections, its treatment of the opposition, rule of law violations, and widespread corruption. “This is a rallying call to the opposition, just days ahead of the election, to break with the problems created by this regime,” Berisha said.
According to Berisha, “the 14 prime ministers from EPP member parties are ready to support Albania’s EU path – but only with the Democratic Party in charge.”
He said EPP leaders “clearly expect a PD victory” and believe the party would restore the rule of law and re-energise Albania’s stalled EU integration process.
Asked whether he expects a fair election, Berisha referred to a recent report by the OSCE delegation. “The strong international support for the opposition sends a clear message to the Albanian people: end Edi Rama’s regime and open a new chapter for democracy and EU integration.”
In a statement released Tuesday, the Democratic Party’s press office said the EPP had adopted a resolution warning of electoral manipulation, state capture, and democratic decline in Albania under Rama, particularly ahead of the May 11 vote.
