Former Socialist Party MP, Petro Koçi, commented on the situation within the SP, focusing on the latest debates and the main figures of the left, including Elisa Spiropalin and Erion Bracen.
Invited to the lunch program at News24Koçi said that he does not see an open conflict within the Socialist Party, but emphasized the lack of opposition and the weakening of internal democracy.
"I don't think there is any conflict in the SP. There is a lack of opposition here, internal democracy in political parties has been nullified," he declared.
Commenting on Spiropali's positions, Koçi praised her reflection, especially the decision not to participate in the vote for Belinda Ballukun, which he described as a moral act.
"Spiropali also had a kind of reflection. In this part, her act of not participating in the Balluk vote should be seen positively, especially her act of not participating in the Balluk vote, it was a moral act to be appreciated. While she did not speak about it, she did it with conviction. She does not fall into the cases that the party statute punishes. Spiropali should have started with a 'mea culpa'. All those who are part of political history should feel responsible even when they have no hand in it," Koçi said.
Regarding Braça's ambition to run for the Municipality of Tirana, he assessed it as a positive development, considering him a figure who can maximize votes for the SP.
"Braçe has always been a voice of opposition in the SP. I have welcomed the fact that he has expressed ambition to be the SP candidate for the Municipality of Tirana. I think that as a possible candidacy he would get the maximum. Under these conditions, he is the candidacy that gets the most. If he were to become mayor, he would be more autonomous than any other candidacy," said Koçi.
He added that Braçe could also attract votes critical of the SP: "I estimate that voices critical of the SP would vote for Erion and not for another figure. So I say it would be a good alternative."
Koçi also commented on the positions of Arben Malajt, who he said is right on some issues, but needs to have a more constructive approach.
"Arben Malaj is right about many things, but I think the approach should be a little more constructive to be more convincing to the left-wing electorate. I would not advise him to run for mayor in Vlora and I do not think his approach is very efficient. However, I applaud his rationality, those are positive things and should be appreciated," he said.
In conclusion, Koçi emphasized that the Socialist Party needs more democratic space and membership involvement in decision-making.
"Democracy in the SP has been reduced. Power in the party should pass from delegates to the membership, so that some kind of balance is created. This would help the SP breathe more and be more successful," the former MP concluded.
