Chris LaCivita, campaign manager for the Democratic Party, took part in a meeting held in Tirana between Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha and the youth of FRPD.

Responding to questions from young Democrats, LaCivita did not hold back in his criticism of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. He stated that the Socialist Party has been in power for 12 years and has failed in every aspect. He added that when one individual governs for 12 consecutive years, it is called a dictatorship.

He also emphasized that developments in Albania and the region are followed closely by the United States.

“What makes this situation special for me is the fact that here we have true conservatives confronting a socialist regime and a very unstable leader, who has brought instability both to government and the economy. Naturally, ensuring stability in the region is essential. That is why developments in Albania are followed with great interest by the United States, just as with any other country,” said LaCivita.

Excerpt from the discussion:

Belind Këlliçi: Chris, can I ask you something about the role of youth? Because, just like in the U.S. with your campaign, here we also have the mainstream media against us, controlled by the left. These young people are very active on social media—mostly on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. What do you think should be the main message for the youth here? Should it focus on a positive and negative campaign, on the program, on restoring hope, or maybe a call to their friends to work on the campaign so they stay here and build a better life? Any ideas?

Chris LaCivita: Yes, actually I do.

First of all, it’s not wrong to highlight Edi Rama’s failures. That’s not negativity—it’s simply the truth. They will try to frame it as negative, but I believe it’s important to tell your friends not just what you’re against, but what you stand for. You must do both.

Edi Rama has failed over the past 12 years because everything has become more expensive—corruption, crime. And the answer to that is your program and its specific proposals. When you post something on Facebook or elsewhere online, remember that politics is a very visual medium. People need to see it.

You have to show them the impact—how the price of eggs, bread, milk has increased in the last 12 years. You can’t just say it. You have to show it. Show them how prices have risen and how your program plans to bring them down.

And we’re seeing this now in the U.S.—inflation has dropped, employment has increased, the cost of living is going down. All of this is happening. Absolutely.

And it’s only been 100 days. Just imagine the impact when a government changes. You’ve had the same person in power for 12 years. Do you know what we call that in America? A dictatorship. And we call it the same thing here. So, this is the end of that.