The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, raised alarm over Albania’s depopulation during his speech at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, currently taking place in Porto.

In his address, Berisha cited statistics, stating that in just one decade, around 45% of the population has left the country — which, according to him, constitutes the greatest demographic loss in Europe, even compared to countries in conflict.

“Between 2014 and 2024, Albania has lost more people than any other country. According to Eurostat data, over 1,099,000 Albanians have left for the Schengen area — not counting those who emigrated to other regions. Albania is the first and only narco-dictatorship in Europe. This may not yet be recognized as a fact, but its consequences are devastating for my nation,” Berisha declared.

Continuing his remarks, Berisha strongly criticized the reported economic growth in the country, arguing that the annual 3% increase does not reflect real development, as productive sectors have declined.

“The euro has devalued by 35–38% in Albania. This has killed hundreds of exporting businesses, because narco-euros are entering the country through containers and all sorts of channels, and 80% of investments in the construction sector do not come from banks, but from the underworld. This entire process is personally directed by the narco-dictator, who has formed a syndicate with drug cartels and gives them every opportunity and freedom to launder money in my country,” he stated.