The Democratic Party ended its weekly protest in front of the prime minister's office for this year, but warned that 2026 will also start with the same activity: protests. The leader of the Democrats, Sali Berisha, in his speech during the lectern in front of the government building said that the opposition is stronger than ever currently and that Albanians want Rama to leave power.
"Today we close our protest to start the year with protests. Wherever I go, I find an absolute determination to part with this evil as soon as possible. Albanians are eagerly awaiting the removal of this gang from power. I guarantee you that the opposition is stronger today than ever ," said Berisha.
He took Kosovo and the recent elections that took place as an example, emphasizing that it is a source of pride for every Albanian.
"Great pride, but also hope. A state that declared independence a few years ago, a state where Albanians, just like in Albania, are the majority, but a state that is taking giant steps towards the EU. A state that researchers have found is only 16 years away from governing according to European standards. Kosovo holds elections, Kosovo resolves every crisis in accordance with the law. The Prime Minister of Kosovo does not have a crime coordinator," he said, accusing the head of the Albanian government, Edi Rama, of being involved in the crime.
Regarding the protest of Vlora citizens for water, Berisha considered it a "government punishment" and added that it happens throughout Albania.
"They were without water for 5 days. Yesterday, the citizens of Vlora took the bite out of the gala evening and chased the thieves out of the hall where they were celebrating. Today, the youth of Vlora and the citizens filled the square and hold the government and Rama responsible for their dramatic situation ," said Berisha.
Berisha also criticizes the country's broader problems: the lack of infrastructure and corruption that affect the daily lives of citizens. He cited other cases in Albania where citizens have to face unfair barriers and additional expenses, mentioning the cities of Has, Tropoja, Kukës, Elbasan, and linking these problems to the theft of public money.
Berisha emphasized the power of ideals over any weapon and the importance of civic resistance:
"That those who stand for ideals are invincible and win. This regime, with every passing day and hour, is crumbling, decaying, and falling."