Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has congratulated the newly elected members of the party’s leadership, emphasizing that the selection process was based on the free vote of the National Council. Berisha said the new leadership represents a renewal of the party, with several new figures taking on key positions.

Speaking to the media, Berisha thanked his former collaborators and Democratic Party members for their contributions, describing the election of the new leadership as evidence of the party’s democratic functioning.

“Last night marked the completion of the formation of the Democratic Party of Albania’s institutions. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all my former collaborators—Oerd Bylykbashi, Luçiano Boçi, Ivi Kaso, and the party’s secretaries—for their valuable contribution.

I assure them that I remain committed to continuing our comprehensive cooperation. I also thank Edi Paloka for his valuable contribution, as well as everyone who served during the past four years.

I warmly congratulate those who were elected through the free vote of the Democratic Party’s National Council. Albanians have seen, and continue to see, a political force that has made the free vote the cornerstone of its organization and functioning.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Belind Këlliçi, Nikolla Këdhi, and Erisa Bajaziti, who were elected as the party’s vice presidents for the first time. They represent broad segments of Albanian society that had previously not been represented in the party’s leadership.

I also congratulate Secretary General Flamur Noka on his re-election by the National Council.

I congratulate Klevis Balliu on his election as Organizational Secretary; Andi Mustafaj as Secretary for Human Resources Management; Marash Logu as Secretary for Legal and Electoral Affairs; Viola Kapedani as Secretary for Public Relations; Eva Metaj as Secretary for Partner Organizations and Civil Society; Fjoralba Dizdari as Secretary for European Integration; Ethem Aga as Secretary for Emigration and the Diaspora; Etjon Kapedani as Secretary for Digitalization; Gentian Kaprata as Secretary for Infrastructure and Territory; Endira Bushati as Secretary for Property Issues and the Fight Against Corruption; Franc Nuri as Secretary for Human Rights; Shkëlqim Lepenica as Secretary for Former Political Prisoners; Ylli Asllani as Secretary for Local Government; and Erges Eskiu as Secretary for Civic Action.

I would also like to extend special thanks to everyone who ran for these important positions. Regardless of the outcome, they have my highest respect and appreciation, and I hope we will continue working together as distinguished members of the Democratic Party.

I thank Gazment Bardhi and the voting commission for their serious and professional work. I also owe a public apology to Lorenc Luka, who had sent a message informing us that he did not wish to run, but unfortunately the message was read too late.

As you can see, the party’s leadership has undergone significant renewal, bringing together some of the most distinguished individuals in their respective fields,” Berisha said.