January 8 is not an isolated event, but it is a tragic moment of a degrading political process, which has been going on for months and years in the eyes of all Albanians whose essence is the lack of democratic confrontation by free, fair and transparent voting, has said President Ilir Meta.
In a comment on Friday, the head of state asked not to forget that Albania is still in the conditions when its democracy and almost all institutions have been undermined for years by the gradual capture of all state segments, independent institutions and civil society.
And just when all energies had to be mobilized to restore the rule of law, the system of accountability in the country and within the parties themselves, and above all the trust in democracy and its institutions, Albanians have been witnessing the threat of a very vital institution for true democracy and pluralism, that of the opposition, but also that of free voting for months and years.
Meta did not want to be a party to the conflict, which was born in the Democratic Party, but as President he is deeply concerned about the escalation of unnecessary conflict within the largest opposition political force, which can and should have only one solution: Free vote and respect for the will of the majority, as well as guaranteeing factions. “The use of force, both against doors and windows, and even worse against protesters and citizens, is unacceptable and reprehensible.”
According to him, the accusations of deliberate infiltration of persons with criminal records and high social risk inside the Democratic Party building are alarming and require an impartial response. Like it is unacceptable to deny any democratic mechanism of solution, inciting heinously the use of force and revolt, he said adding that physical and police means cannot be a solution for either party, but only the democratic confrontation through free voting.
“However, the developments of January 8, 2022 brought a positive example, which calls for reflection, such as the resignation of the guard of the DP headquarters for not being witness to violence. I wish that everyone rises to the level of his responsibility,” concluded the head of state. /argumentum.al
