The chairman of the Democratic Party and of the coalition “Alliance for a Great Albania,” Sali Berisha, was in Brescia on Sunday afternoon for a meeting with Albanian emigrants.

He stated that the diaspora and the Democratic Party share the same values, as despite challenges and sacrifices, they have proven themselves to be true Albanians. Asking emigrants in Italy for their vote in the May 11 elections, Berisha said that the Democratic Party rose from the ashes to save democracy from what he described as a “second dictatorship.”

“Your very own history is a source of inspiration. You are the Albanians of great sacrifice—meeting with you is a meeting with the noblest human sacrifice. You came to Italy as people most oppressed by communist dictatorship in Europe, arrived as people facing great unknowns, and the Italian people welcomed you with generosity, hospitality, and humanity. Viva Italia!

You faced prejudice, but here you are today—stronger, freer, and better than ever. You worked with honesty and earned respect and appreciation. Even though today you’ve built dignified lives here in Brescia, you never forgot your homeland. You proved yourselves to be true Albanians. What makes one truly Albanian above all is unwavering love for their homeland.

Dear friends, if there is a political force in Albania that embodies these Albanian traits which you represent, it is the Democratic Party. It’s true we went through a long process in opposition, we truly endured a difficult re-founding period, we fought fiercely for three consecutive years against an effort to create an Albania without opposition. But just like you—the diaspora that overcame every challenge—we too overcame every obstacle, we rose from the ashes for a sacred mission. We defended democracy, we defended the national interest, and we will save Albania from the second dictatorship,” said Berisha.