The leader of Albania’s main opposition party, Sali Berisha, held a meeting on Sunday with women and girls to mark International Women’s Day, highlighting the role of women in society and politics and urging them to take part in an upcoming national protest.

Speaking at the event organized by the Democratic Party of Albania, Berisha praised the contribution of women over the years and said they remain a decisive force for the changes the country needs. He stressed that the party is committed to ensuring greater equality and opportunities for women in all areas of public life.

“The Democratic Party is deeply grateful to you and guarantees that it will do everything possible, first for equality, and second to create the space and opportunities for you to fully express your talents, courage and creative power,” Berisha said.

The opposition leader also described the current political moment as critical, accusing the government of abusing its power and failing to protect citizens’ interests.

At the end of his remarks, Berisha called on women and girls to join a national protest organized by the opposition, scheduled for March 12.

“We may not have had the wave on our side, but we are the wave ourselves,” he said. “We will continue this peaceful uprising and consign this regime to the pages of history.”