Sali Berisha spoke this Saturday regarding the leadership elections within Albania’s Democratic Party (PD), where he remains the sole candidate following the disqualification of other contenders.

He stated that individuals who, according to him, have “betrayed” the party or cooperated with political opponents cannot be allowed to run for its leadership.

He emphasized that the Democratic Party conducts what he described as one of the most democratic and fair internal races, noting that in many comparable political families, party leaders are often selected by party presidiums rather than membership vote.

“The Democratic Party is open and will accept any member who meets the criteria to participate in the race,” Berisha said, adding that the leadership contest should reflect the will of the party’s membership.

He rejected the idea of allowing candidates who, he claimed, worked against the party during election campaigns or defected to rival parties. “In any political party in the world, such individuals are excluded for betraying their party at a critical moment,” he stated.

Berisha also made direct remarks about Ervin Salianji, alleging that he had “betrayed himself” while in prison and “moved to the other side,” despite previously being described as a political prisoner.

“The Democratic Party is open, but it cannot be taken over. Attempts have been made, but this party can never be taken by Prime Minister Edi Rama through compromised candidates,” Berisha added.

The internal process for clarifying the final leadership structure of the party is ongoing.