The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, delivered a speech from the podium, focusing on what he described as the difficult situation faced by the opposition and citizens in Albania.

Drawing a parallel with February 1991, Berisha stressed that only perseverance and a peaceful alternative can lead to victory, while accusing the government of building its political survival on constant attacks against the opposition.

“We are living in difficult times. I return to February 1991. They wanted at all costs to drag us into conflict, into clashes. We did not—we continued on our path.

But we triumphed. Our peaceful alternative, our peaceful revolt, prevailed. We must persist. I understand what opposition means after 13 years, what persecution means after 13 years.

Today I had a group of young people in my office, and one of them told me: ‘Doctor, to tell you the truth, I did not think about what might happen not only to me, but also to my parents from their tax authorities, their police, and so on.’ What did this show? He felt the oppressive environment they have imposed. Yet he was idealistic. ‘No,’ he said, ‘I did not hesitate.’

And we very much need every Albanian to reach this conclusion. There is a third major factor of this regime that acts against the opposition. From morning to night, this regime bases its survival on attacking the opposition. It tries in every way to compromise and corrupt the opposition and opposition figures.

A prime minister who acts in this way is a fierce enemy of pluralism, democracy, and the country. He deserves every form of punishment,” Berisha said.