Ervin Salianji has publicly called for the departure of Sali Berisha from the leadership of the Democratic Party of Albania, ahead of the party’s internal election scheduled for May 23.

Speaking for the media, Salianji argued that the party has weakened in recent years, attributing its decline to the current leadership. He claimed that the Democratic Party had been stronger during periods when Berisha was not at its helm.

“Berisha should step down. The Democratic Party was stronger when he was not chairman,” Salianji said, adding that the party is currently surrounded by figures he described as “losers” who continue to hold key positions.

Salianji also criticized the party’s leadership structure, calling for adherence to a precedent of resignation following electoral defeats — a principle he referred to as the “Basha rule,” linked to former party leader Lulzim Basha.

Regarding his own potential candidacy, Salianji said he is preparing a platform outlining the party’s challenges and proposed solutions, but has yet to make a final decision on whether he will enter the race.

The developments signal growing internal tensions within the Democratic Party, as the leadership contest is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, shaping the future direction of Albania’s main opposition force.