The Democratic Party has officially launched the electoral campaign for the April 25 parliamentary elections with hundreds of supporters gathered at the Mother Theresa Square, despite pandemic-related measures prohibiting large gatherings.

The leader of the Democratic Party, Lulzim Basha, held a speech in front of supporters and vowed that his main task, if he gets elected, will be to make Albania an EU country.

“Today, I stand before you to announce another objective, an obligation and a mission that is responsive to the wish that all Albanians have, hence I will put all my commitment: When you chose me as prime minister, the first and main task, my divine mission will be taking Albania to the European Union”.

“For Albania to be strong, developed and good for all, we need to immediately leave behind 8 years in stalemate, 8 years backwards, 8 years away from Europe and set out for our unstoppable march until the full membership of the nation of the eagles to our European family”, said Basha.

Although it had been planned that supporters would show up and stay inside their vehicles, hundreds are rallying at the square without respecting a safe distance.

Reporting from the ground, Euronews Albania journalist Renaldo Salianji said that candidates have lined up on the two sides of the podium while keeping a distance between each other, as supporters wait for the arrival of the party’s leader.

The organizers of the rally have called on citizens to stay inside their vehicles and follow the event from there, however, the calls were ignored by the supporters.

The campaign model, as explained by our journalist Renaldo Salianji, is the same as the one applied by Joe Biden where his supporters would follow the rally inside their cars in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The members of the DP’s youth forum group will also participate in the campaign.