The Democratic Party of Albania (PD), once considered the main pillar of political pluralism in the country, is facing one of its deepest internal and electoral crises. Former candidate for chairman of the Democratic Party, Ibsen Elezi, has made strong accusations, stating that PD has turned into a political structure that serves the personal and family interests of Sali Berisha, rather than representing its voters and democratic principles.
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| Screenshot of Ibsen Elezi while on local media |
“PD Has Become a Destroyed Structure”
According to Elezi, the Democratic Party is no longer a functioning political organization but rather a damaged and broken structure, burdened by internal problems and lack of vision.
“The party has turned into a destroyed building. It carries a heavy burden within itself. All the rules have been broken, the way it functions is completely distorted,” Elezi stated.
He argued that the internal mechanisms of the party no longer reflect democratic standards, adding that PD suffers from the same autocratic behavior it accuses Prime Minister Edi Rama of exercising at the state level.
Accusations of Autocracy Inside the Democratic Party
One of the strongest points raised by Elezi was the comparison between the ruling party and the opposition when it comes to internal democracy.
“If we accuse Rama of autocracy, the same thing exists inside the Democratic Party,” he said.
This statement highlights a growing concern among political analysts and former party members: that PD has failed to offer a democratic alternative, both in leadership style and political culture.
Elezi questioned how current PD leaders can speak about democracy to party members when, according to him, democratic rules and procedures have been systematically violated.
Loss of Over 200,000 Voters
Perhaps the most alarming claim made by Ibsen Elezi is the massive loss of electoral support. According to him, over 200,000 voters have abandoned the Democratic Party in recent years.
“PD has been abandoned by more than 200,000 voters. The party is in continuous decline and shows no progress,” Elezi emphasized.
This loss is not just a numerical issue but a reflection of a deeper crisis of confidence. Many traditional PD supporters feel disconnected, disappointed, and unsure about the future of the party they once believed in.
Lack of Spirit and Motivation Among Democrats
Elezi stressed that the problem is not merely organizational but spiritual and motivational.
“It’s not an issue of organization. There needs to be spirit, desire for people to come together. There is no spirit,” he said.
According to him, a large part of the Democratic electorate is stuck in uncertainty, unsure of what solution exists or how the party can recover from its current state.
This lack of enthusiasm and direction has resulted in political apathy, with many former supporters choosing to disengage entirely from party politics.
Serving Family Interests, Not Public Interest
One of the most controversial statements made by Elezi was his accusation that Sali Berisha is using the Democratic Party for his family’s interests.
“Sali Berisha is using the party for the interests of his own family,” Elezi declared.
Such claims have intensified internal debates within PD and reinforced criticism that the party has become centered around individuals rather than ideas, reforms, or the broader public interest.
A Gradual Decline, Not a Sudden Collapse
Elezi noted that PD’s fall did not happen overnight but was the result of a gradual process of internal erosion.
“The destruction came gradually,” he said.
This gradual decline, he argued, is why many Democrats feel frustrated and helpless, seeing the party move further away from its founding values without a clear path forward.
A Warning for the Future of the Opposition
The statements made by Ibsen Elezi reflect a broader crisis within Albania’s opposition politics. Without internal democracy, transparency, and renewed leadership, PD risks further marginalization in the political landscape.
For many observers, Elezi’s remarks serve as a warning that without reform and renewal, the Democratic Party may continue to lose relevance, voters, and credibility.
As Albania approaches future electoral challenges, the opposition’s ability to rebuild trust and reconnect with citizens will be crucial—not only for PD’s survival, but for the health of democracy in the country.