Leadership clashes continue among members of the Democratic Party, even after former chairman Lulzim Basha resigned from his post almost two weeks ago.
Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and acting PD chairman Enkelejd Alibeaj have been at the center of the latest disagreement over Berisha’s position within the PD.
During an early Thursday meeting of the PD’s parliamentary group, Alibeaj argued that Berisha has been expelled from the group and must retire to make the way for a new and unified PD.
“Like [Basha] gave his resignation, the same thing must now happen with Berisha. Not as an obligation, but for the good of the people,” Alibeaj said.
Berisha, on the other hand, considers the decision to expel him from the group null and void.
“That’s his choice, but Democrats have spoken in my favor on December 11, December 18 and March 6,” Berisha retorted.
Furthermore, Berisha announced that he would return to the PD offices as the party doesn’t have a leader.
“My office will be among the other offices [in this building]. There is no chairman’s office, because there is no chairman,” he added.
Berisha was expelled from the PD’s parliamentary group in September 2021 following his designation for corruption by the U.S. Department of State.
However, the decision was reversed by a National Assembly initiated by Berisha on December 11. Recently, a Tirana Court ratified the assembly which also changed the statutes of the party to remove Basha and his leadership from the helm of the party.
Alibeaj does not recognize the decision of the court and said he would appeal it. His faction of the Democratic Party contend that Berisha cannot remain within the party considering his designation.
On the other hand, Berisha has announced his decision to return as leader of the PD now that Basha has resigned.
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