“Rama Broke His Pledge to Albanians. The Massive Protest Turnout Is Extraordinary” / Salianji: He No Longer Represents Citizens; He and Berisha Have Been Overtaken by Time

Ervin Salianji, a former Democratic Party MP, reacted today to the large protests that have continued in the capital for 56 days, with the 57th consecutive day taking place today. During a television interview, he said Prime Minister Edi Rama had broken the pledge he made to the people, referring to a recent proposal he presented to citizens in the form of a document. In his view, both Rama and former Prime Minister Sali Berisha are figures who have been left behind by the country’s political times.

According to him, this citizens’ movement is unprecedented in Albania because of its massive and sustained participation. He praised the people’s persistence as an admirable example as they demand Rama’s resignation. “Neither the World Cup nor the high temperatures have diminished their determination. This reaction has drawn extraordinary energy from the people. Today, Edi Rama and Sali Berisha appear outdated and overtaken by time,” he said.

Salianji further emphasized that the protest’s longevity has made it more appealing to citizens and that it will lead to their departure from the political scene. He noted that the two long-standing leaders protect each other to safeguard their personal interests and have turned their parties into private property. Referring to public perceptions, he added that the protesters are instinctively responding in the right way to what he called a captured political system that no longer serves anyone.

Analyzing the reasons for this participation, he stressed that every citizen is taking to the streets over their own personal hardships, faced with a system that no longer represents them. “When representation is absent and everything operates in the service of personal interests, this moment becomes inevitable. This protest honors the wisdom of the Albanian people,” he said. According to him, for months he has stated during his meetings that Berisha is an obstacle to development and that Albanians no longer want Rama in power.

He also commented on Rama’s latest proposal for a new Assembly. Salianji linked it to a breach of the contract with voters, invoking the symbolism of besa—an ancient and sacred Albanian institution involving one’s solemn pledge. He stressed that reviving, after centuries, a concept that holds value in human relations but not in the political sphere represents a step backward. Besa once upheld one’s pledged word and helped resolve blood feuds or governed the welcoming of guests, while Rama, according to him, has violated it by failing to honor the fundamental agreement with the people.