Democratic Party (DP) leader Sali Berisha has announced the launch of mass nationwide protests starting on December 22, declaring that the opposition will seek the overthrow of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government and the establishment of a technical caretaker government.
Speaking during a live broadcast on social media, Berisha stated that free and fair elections are impossible under Rama’s leadership, accusing the ruling Socialist Party of systematic electoral manipulation, abuse of state resources, and collaboration with criminal networks.
“With Edi Rama as prime minister, there can be no free and honest elections,” Berisha said, stressing that a technical government is the only path toward restoring democratic standards in Albania.
Accusations of Electoral Fraud and State Capture
Berisha leveled serious accusations against Prime Minister Rama, claiming that the government used criminal groups, state institutions, and public funds to manipulate the May 11 parliamentary elections.
According to Berisha, the ruling party:
- Distributed €7 million during the legally prohibited pre-election period, including on election day, through large-scale events such as Giro d’Italia.
- Provided €100 “vote-buying payments” to approximately 760,000 pensioners.
- Arrested or initiated criminal proceedings against opposition leaders during the election year, effectively neutralizing political competition.
- Mobilized the entire state administration and police as instruments of voter intimidation.
- Issued tens of thousands of property certificates, legalization permits, and construction licenses in exchange for political support.
- Manipulated the diaspora vote in a “monstrous” manner, undermining its credibility.
- Enabled criminal gangs to secure parliamentary seats, alleging that 28 MPs were elected with the backing of organized crime.
Berisha said these actions constitute flagrant violations of the Copenhagen Document (1990), the Albanian Electoral Code, Council of Europe standards, and the Venice Commission’s principles.
“Elections under Edi Rama are an illusion. They can only be a farce,” Berisha declared.
Call for Broad Civic Mobilization
The DP leader called on citizens of all political affiliations to join the protests, framing them as a defense of democracy and the right to vote.
“This battle will not end until this regime falls, a technical government is formed, and Albanians can vote freely,” Berisha said, adding that the Democratic Party is confident it would win genuinely democratic elections.
He also criticized the recent appointment of the Ombudsperson without opposition consent, calling it further proof of institutional capture and the erosion of checks and balances.
“Every attempt at negotiation has proven illusory. There is only one path left: protest, protest, and protest—until this government is removed from power,” Berisha concluded.
The announcement marks a new phase of political confrontation in Albania, as opposition forces prepare to escalate pressure against a government they accuse of authoritarianism, corruption, and the systematic dismantling of democratic institutions.
