Political parties campaigns kicked off last night, exactly one month before th 25 April general election
Incumbent Prime Minister Edi Rama told the audience taht the reason he is running for a third term is because he wants to leave a legacy to his children.
“It is indisputable that I have not fallen from the sky, it’s indisputable that I have more flaws than I have. But one thing is for sure, I am here with you not for myself but for my name, for the most important legacy a father leaves to children; his memory. To honor all those before me, whether of the same blood as Albanians, whether of this generation or of several generations.”
He said the Socialist Party is the only political force that can change Albania for the better.
“We are the only good that Albania has in terms of politics. The PS, on 25 April will achieve its objectives and receive a third term. We will do more in the next four years than in all the other years combined,” he added.
Rama promised that in the third term, the minimum wage will be increased to 40,000 lek ( EUR 360) and income tax will not be applied to those who receive the minimum wage. He also promised three airports, four ports, and said they are aiming to bring 10 million tourists to the country.
In terms of jobs, Rama claimed that all the jobs lost during 2020 have been regained.
He said that there were 470,000 Albanians in work in 2013 and 688,000 at the end of 2020.
“The World Bank says that thanks to the policy pursued by the government, 50,000 jobs have been saved.”
Luljeta Bozo, a controversial candidate following her recent comments on communism, said that there had been “progress in all areas”.
At the PD rally, the author and candidate for Elbasan Flutura Acka opened their election campaign. She said the elections were a choice between “repairing our democracy or going to dictatorship.
“Only this way we can save our democracy from drug barons, from the demolition of the theatre, from criminals, only this way we can save democracy.”
She asked for support from all citizens, not just PD supporters, but those who are upset or disillusioned by the PS.
Spokeswoman Floriana Garo said that “Lulzim Basha is the leader that Albania needs” and that he was ready to make the changes people want to look forward to.
Basha then took to the stage and called on people to bring change to Albania.
“I am among you because you have made an important decision. To end the Albanian transition, and to open a new page of the modern and European history of Albania. To enable the best and honest to lead Albania. It needs more than ever for work, honor and radical change”, said Basha.
As per the restrictions decided by the Committee of Technical Experts, gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited and face masks are required in public at all times.
