Voice at the EPP Political Assembly: Albania at a critical moment

2026-07-01 15:07:00, Politikë CNA

Democratic Party MP, Albana Vokshi, delivered her speech at the Political Assembly of the European People's Party (EPP) held in Vienna.

During her speech, Vokshi requested the EPP's support for the Emergency Resolution for Albania, describing the situation in the country as a critical moment for democracy and the rule of law.

The MP stated that the resolution comes at a time when Albania is facing a deep deterioration of democratic standards.

Focusing on the situation in the country, Vokshi spoke about the civic protests that, according to her, have been taking place peacefully for weeks by thousands of citizens, mainly young people. She accused the government of responding to the protests with pressure and attacks on citizens.

According to Vokshi, the resolution is based on the findings of the EPP Mission and calls for inclusive political dialogue, as well as transitional solutions, including a caretaker or technical government, with the aim of guaranteeing free elections and restoring citizens' trust.

Speech by DP MP, Albana Voshi:

President Berisha will present the conclusions of the EPP Mission and the general situation in Albania, I will briefly touch on a few points. First, thank you! I thank President Weber, Secretary General Dolors Montserrat, the EPP Presidency, who approved and agreed to put this Emergency Resolution on Albania on the agenda.

I thank Patrick and the EPP Staff for their work all weekend to make this possible. The fact that there are no amendments shows that I have done a good job together with Patrick. Secondly, why this resolution today? Because Albania has reached a critical moment. The democratic slide, state capture, corruption and the complete melting of the dividing line between state and party have forced tens of thousands of citizens to take to the streets in peaceful protests in Albania and beyond.

All of this has been confirmed by the reports of ODIHR, V-Dem, AFET, the European Parliament, the European Commission's IBAR assessment and, above all, by the conclusions of the EPP Mission Report. Thirdly, what is happening in Albania?

For almost a month, every day, tens of thousands of citizens—mostly young people of Generation Z—have been protesting. In the most dignified, peaceful, and colorful way, they are not asking for privileges. They are simply asking for a future in their country where merit prevails, where institutions serve citizens and not political parties, and where the rule of law applies equally to all.

What began as a protest to protect Albania’s natural heritage has transformed into a nationwide citizen movement against corruption, state capture, and the alliance between political power, oligarchic interests, and organized crime. The government’s response has not been dialogue. It has been insults, intimidation, smear campaigns, and legal prosecution of peaceful protesters. Prime Minister Rama has cursed his own citizens, while inventing algorithms and “foreign forces” as enemies that, according to him, are trying to destabilize Albania. Finally, what do we demand from the EPP today?

We are not just asking for support for the Democratic Party. We are asking for the EPP to stand by the Albanian citizens and defend its principles and European values: democracy, the rule of law, free, fair and competitive elections, a genuine electoral reform, a clear separation of state and party, accountability for electoral crimes, dismantling patronage networks, the fight against corruption and organized crime, and the protection of fundamental rights.

This resolution also reflects, and builds on, the conclusions of the EPP Mission, calling for inclusive political dialogue and transitional solutions – including a caretaker or technical government – ??with a view to restoring trust and ensuring truly free and competitive elections. In a democracy, everything starts with the vote and ends with the vote. Albanian citizens have chosen to protest in a peaceful, democratic and pro-European manner. We therefore call on the EPP to stand by Albanian citizens and help restore hope. I invite you all to support this Emergency Resolution. /CNA