The Socialist Party of Tirana team clinked glasses on the eve of the new year, at a ceremony held yesterday evening at the Brigades Palace. Prime Minister Edi Rama was present, who also published a video from the festive evening.
In the scattered footage, Rama appears smiling, clinking glasses and hugging those present.
But if for some it was a celebration, others "shone" with their absence.
We are talking about the "old guard" of the Socialist Party, who have chosen not to join the clinking of glasses at the end of the year, reinforcing rumors that the situation in the socialist camp is not as rosy as it is presented.
Pandeli Majko, Erion Braçe, Fatmir Xhafaj, Arben Pëllumbi, Ermonela Felaj, Etjen Xhafaj, Mimi Kodheli, Plarent Ndreca, etc. did not go to the Brigades Palace.
Some have refused because they were left out of the lists for deputies, some have remained out of Parliament because they were on the list, and some because of an attempt by a part of the party to remove Mayor Erion Veliaj from the leadership of the municipality.
Also noticeable was the absence of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who is under investigation by SPAK.
Meanwhile, as for those present, almost all members of the government cabinet were there, two of the co-leaders of the region, Blendi Gonxhe and Ogerta Manastirliu, Deputy Minister Xhemal Qefalia, Halit Valteri and most of the young people in the structures of the capital's socialist team.
During the event, Manastirliu wished a prosperous and healthy new year, emphasizing hope and good energy for the citizens of Tirana and all of Albania.
"Today is a moment to celebrate, to wish each other: a prosperous, healthy year and to wish the citizens of Tirana and Albania a year full of hope, energy, and faith that tomorrow and the New Year will be very good ," said Manastirliu.
For his part, Rama raised several toasts, starting with a congratulatory message to the families of those present, to the participating girls and women, as well as to the supporters of the Socialist Party who, according to him, are not necessarily "on the front lines", but contribute sustainably to the Socialist Party.
"I want to make a very heartfelt and fraternal greeting to all your families. The second I will make for all the girls and women who are here and the third greeting I want to raise for all those who are supporters, so not for those who are on the front lines, but for those who are on the second and third lines who are party leaders, organizations..." said Rama.
Rama then expressed his gratitude for every member and activist of the Socialist Party, describing them as part of a "big family", and conveyed his wishes for health and prosperity for their families, emphasizing his belief in the strength and continuity of the Socialist Party.