TIRANA A few years ago, the former LSI minister won a serious battle with a brain disease, but lost the second battle he had started with a blood disease.

Although hopeful that he would be able to make it again, the priest shared his condition through a Facebook status.

"I have been battling an aggressive and difficult blood disease for over a year. The treatment continues for a few months and does not allow me to take time off for campaigns. I am convinced that I will overcome this discomfort soon," he writes.

FULL POST ON MAY 1, 2017
Hello my friends.
I know you are curious to know if I will run in the June 18 elections. There would be no greater pleasure for me than to have the opportunity to run and represent you in politics again. But I am physically unable to. I have been battling an aggressive and difficult blood disease for over a year. The treatment continues for a few months and does not allow me to take a break from campaigning. I am convinced that I will get over this embarrassment soon.
I don't want you to be upset. These elections, the way they are being held, without the opposition, will fail and will be repeated soon. Pray to God if you believe that I will overcome this illness quickly and that we will be together at the earliest possible moment.
I will not vote in these elections. I do not think you have any motive to vote either. Albania has moved backwards towards impoverishment and lack of democracy. However, no one thinks about you, if you do not think about yourself. If you are going to vote, do it for your own interest and no one else's.
I hug you.
The Priest shines

(with/BalkanWeb