The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, spoke at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe about emigration, drug trafficking and political developments in Albania.
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During his speech, Berisha praised the role of the Albanian diaspora, stating that Albanians living abroad have helped ensure the nation’s survival, preserve its freedoms and enrich Albanian culture.
He then addressed the departure of citizens from Albania, describing it as a phenomenon with serious consequences for the country and an existential threat to the nation.
Berisha also referred to a study by Justin Gast, conducted in 149 countries, according to which emigration can lead to a “demographic drain” and have very serious consequences.
“No nation can and should be prouder of its diaspora than the Albanian nation. We owe the diaspora almost our survival, our freedoms, as well as an extraordinary contribution to our culture.
But today, unfortunately, I must present to you a terrible picture, a destructive effect of emigration on my country.
In Albania, this has placed the nation in the face of a real existential threat. Currently, within the European Union, according to Eurostat, 466 out of every 1,000 Albanians live in EU countries. Imagine the state we are in,” he said.
The leader of the Democratic Party linked this situation to governance, describing Albania as a “narco-state” and claiming that it is the only narco-state in the world, although, according to him, Europe has yet to recognize and assess it as such.
He stated that Albania is the leading exporter of cannabis, while Albanian drug cartels, he claimed, are the largest cocaine transporters in Europe.
“This is entirely the consequence of the Albanian narco-state, which is the only narco-state in the world, but unfortunately is still unrecognized and unassessed as such by Europe.
Albania is the leading exporter of cannabis, while Albanian drug cartels are the largest cocaine transporters in Europe.
To conclude, an international stance toward this narco-state is vital in order to save the nation,” Berisha said.
