Prime Minister Edi Rama is an autocrat who is willing to declare war on Albania and the European Union for his personal power, denounced Tuesday the Secretary General of the Democratic Party (DP) Gazment Bardhi.

The Democrat accused the Head of Government of also preventing ODIHR expertise as he stressed the latter must not fear Venice Commission’s opinion on the Electoral Code amendments. Bardhi’s reaction came after PM Rama stated “the Parliament will not wait a second” for the re-voting of the Electoral Code.

On his part, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi called once again on the socialist majority to wait for the Venice Commission opinion on the amendments to the Electoral Code before readopting them.

“Albania has the obligation to hold elections with a law that is in line with international standards and, above all, that is in line with the Constitution of Albania. After preventing the receiving of ODIHR’s expertise, Edi Rama must not be afraid of Venice Commission's expertise.

Edi Rama's arrogant insistence in ignoring of the appeal of the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Mr. Oliver Varhelyi exposes the autocratic Prime Minister who, for the trouble of his power, is ready to declare war on Albania and the European Union. Albanians will not allow this!

Electoral Reform and democratic elections are a condition for the start of EU membership talks. By not listening to the advice to wait for the Opinion of Venice Commission, Edi Rama is attempting to take Albania's European future hostage and blow up the next elections”, said Bardhi.