
Even state tributes to Servet Pëllumbi failed to unite Albanian politics. The ceremony in honor of the former speaker of the parliament highlighted the deep divisions between the parties, with absences, fragmented presences, and different messages both within the opposition and within the ranks of the majority.
The Democratic Party was the first to reflect on it, with two of its MPs appearing on its behalf, Jozefina Topalli and Agron Gjekmarkaj, one as the former Speaker of the Assembly who succeeded Servet Pëllumbi and the other as the current Deputy Speaker.
The political divisions were not only in the opposition camp, but also in the socialist camp. Elisa Spiropali appeared alone at the tribute, emphasizing that she had not come as a member of parliament for the Socialist Party.
While Spriopali was giving her message, the SP parliamentary group, led by Taulant Balla, appeared in homage, but they did not invite the former Foreign Minister among them.
Inside the tribute hall, Taulant Balla found another group of socialists, that of the deputies from the Fier district, who entered the moment Spiropali came out.
As the minutes passed and the state ceremony was expected to begin with speeches by dignitaries, and the arrival of Edi Rama was expected, the Fier MPs left, and only those from Taulant Balla remained inside.
As the socialists entered and exited in groups, Erion Braçe preferred to stay with the old socialists outside the hall, after paying his respects to Servet Pëllumbi.
At the close of the state ceremony, there were more former socialists who had left active politics than current members of the parliamentary group.