"There was a need for real competition in the Democratic Party and not a farce." This was stated by the member of the National Council of the Democratic Party, Ilir Alimehmeti, who commented in an interview for NewsCast Albania with journalist Arbër Hitaj on the developments within the blue headquarters, Ervin Salianji's movement and the way the opposition should confront Edi Rama.
Alimehmeti said that the Democratic Party needs renewal and broader representation in the leadership structures, while emphasizing that the May 30 Assembly will be decisive for the organization of the party for the upcoming local and parliamentary elections.
"There is a need for renewal, but more than renewal itself, representation would be important. The National Council should be more representative and more active," he declared.
Regarding the race for the leadership of the DP, Alimehmeti said that there should have been a candidate facing Sali Berisha and a real competition process, mentioning Ervin Salianji as a figure who could enter the race.
"I am always for competition. Competition strengthens you, competition moves you forward. I think Mr. Salianji was the only person who met the criteria to enter the competition against Mr. Berisha," said Alimehmeti.
However, he stressed that he did not agree with a formal or predetermined process.
"I'm not for farces like 'Maqo Lakrori'. Either we have a real competition, or better yet, a reconfirmation. I wouldn't prefer a fake competition," he said.
Asked about the relationship with Ervin Salianji and the accusations that the latter was "betrayed" due to the race for Tirana, Alimehmeti denied any rift and said that he has always been against divisions within the DP.
"I have been strongly against the split. I have seen what damage the split has caused to the Democratic Party," he declared.
Alimehmeti also recalled the support he gave to Salijanj during his time in prison, describing his sentence as political.
"I met Mr. Salianji in prison. I went to meet him because I appreciated that he was serving a political prison sentence due to the contribution he made to the Democratic Party," said Alimehmeti.
He added that Salianji should remain part of the DP and that the opposition needs unity in the face of the Rama government.
"As long as the leading forums have accepted him as part of the Democratic Party, for me he remains a Democrat. I don't go by the logic of excluding this or that," he said.
In the interview, Alimehmeti also spoke about how the opposition should confront Edi Rama, emphasizing that the country is facing a lack of hope, fear, and a massive exodus of young people.
"The hope belongs to the opposition to raise it. But we must understand the reality of where we are. We have a government that is bringing about an Albania without a future, where we risk having only criminals, old people and concrete," he declared.
According to Alimehmet, the opposition should use every democratic means to restore trust among citizens and stop young people from leaving the country.
"Any discussion between us should be closed. The problem is bigger. Our children are running away and hope is being lost," he said.
