Tensions within the Democratic Party are escalating, as one of the candidates for its leadership has leveled strong accusations against the current leadership of Sali Berisha. Speaking in the news studio of "Ora News," Alesia Balliu stated that her decision to run comes as a direct response to unfulfilled promises and the way the party is being treated "like private property," where dissenting voices are being excluded.
Explaining her motives, Balliu emphasized that the main driving force was "the injustice committed during the primaries" and the fact that the historic leader, Sali Berisha, "did not keep any of the promises he made at Foltorja." This situation pushed her to directly challenge his decisions with a new alternative, seeking to represent a different approach within the party.
"What concerns me is that this party is being treated as private property, and individuals who dare to think differently from the chairman are being excluded. Because with what he is doing today to Alesia Balliu, with the exclusion of Alesia Balliu, with the self-exclusion of Ervin Salianji, he is simply sending a message to Democrats that anyone who dares to think differently will face the same fate as me and Mr. Salianji. In short, they will either be self-excluded or excluded. I am fighting for principles.
I am a Democrat, I remain a Democrat, and I will continue to be a Democrat. But I have a duty to speak some truths, and for this party to be a party with a strong opposition and to be a winning party tomorrow, it undoubtedly needs the new generation and it undoubtedly needs a change in the current leadership, which, unfortunately, can no longer lead the Democratic Party to victory.
Because it had its chance, twice. In 2013, when it lost to Rama, and in 2025, when it lost to Rama. Personally, I do not believe in third comebacks. We couldn't even match Basha's result in 2021. As we speak, we are practically 300,000 votes behind.
I want progress for the Democratic Party.
Mr. Berisha had the chance to lead us in this battle on May 11, and he did not win. I am seeking the will of the Democrats, of those delegates, of those Democrats who voted for this statute at that convention. I am demanding the implementation of the constitution and statute of the Democratic Party," Balliu stated.