Democrat Ervin Salianji has issued a sharp public criticism of party leader Sali Berisha, accusing him of isolating the party and undermining its future by blocking internal competition.

In a public reaction, Salianji condemned what he described as a “miserable standard” in Berisha’s leadership, arguing that it reflects a deep lack of historical responsibility toward party supporters who have remained in opposition for over a decade.

According to Salianji, even the most loyal Democrats recognize that the party cannot return to power under Berisha’s current leadership. He claimed that each day Berisha remains at the helm represents “a loss for the opposition and for Albania.”

Salianji, who had expressed ambitions to run against Berisha in the leadership race of the Democratic Party of Albania, said his candidacy was effectively blocked. He alleged that when his representative attempted to submit official documents, they were refused, leaving Berisha running unopposed.

The Democratic politician further accused Berisha and his inner circle of exploiting party loyalty, pressuring members into silence out of respect or obligation, while the party, he argued, continues to weaken and drift away from voters.

“Time works only for change. Sali Berisha cannot represent that change,” Salianji said, describing the veteran leader as politically exhausted, isolated, and incapable of uniting the opposition.

He concluded by calling on party members to speak out, warning that the Democratic Party does not deserve to “fade away because of its leader,” and urging Democrats not to remain silent in what he framed as a critical moment for the party’s future.