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"Against the hunger strike", Lapaj explains why he rejected Berisha's invitation for a protest: Let's take 2 steps back, we mayors, let's raise the Civic Community and...
2026-03-21 18:05:33 / POLITIKË
Invited to the show "This Week" on News24, Adriatik Lapaj explained the reasons why he refused Sali Berisha's invitation to join a joint opposition protest. Lapaj emphasized that the opposition should be seen more broadly and not limited to political parties. According to him, an opposition movement should include citizens, interest groups and small political forces, emphasizing that the protest should not be "of the mayors", but a civic reaction against the government.
He expressed surprise at the Democratic Party's stance, saying that although it has declared for weeks that it will confront the government, it has not taken concrete steps to protest on the ground, especially in front of the Prime Minister's Office.
Lapaj called for a new approach: "There is a time for the party and a time for Albania. This is the time for Albania. Come on, let's take two steps back, we mayors, and let's build a civic community."
He added that he has proposed the creation of a civic forum beyond party logos, where common issues can be discussed and a coordinated opposition action can be built. Speaking about the electoral system, Lapaj said that changing the code could affect the distribution of mandates, but stressed that the concentration of power remains a problem.
Regarding forms of protest, he spoke out against hunger strikes, arguing that citizens should not sacrifice their lives, while adding that pressure on the government should be continuous and concrete. Finally, Lapaj emphasized that the movement he represents sees itself as part of the solution and not the problem, calling for a broader citizen mobilization for change.
"I see the opposition more broadly. We think that the opposition should include many categories of citizens, citizens, small opposition parties, and the DP, which is the second force. I am aware of all this. We have made a statement that there is a need for citizens in that square. We have called beyond the logos. It should not be a protest of the politics of the mayors but of the citizens against the government. I am surprised how the DP has expressed itself for weeks and weeks, that it will fight this government, but it has not done so. Other parties where they have not protested, in front of the Presidency, at the Parliament, at its side, but not at the Prime Minister's Office. Do we have a common problem?! Come on. There is a time for the party and a time for Albania. This is the time for Albania. I am surprised how the DP has not done this. With the creation of a citizen forum that proposed sitting at the table, we put several points that needed to be resolved. Let's fight without distinction. Before the elections, we have extended our hand to other subjects, but with conditions. If you know a way for society to organize without someone organizing them, do it. I've always said; come on, let's take two steps back. The mayors should stay behind. Me first and then a civic community should be established. Should we change the electoral code? If it were a different code, Rama would have 74 mandates, but he would be weaker than he is today, which has 83 mandates. There is no protagonism because I wouldn't say I will take two steps back. So why are these people leaving the square, will they make a name for themselves? Yes, here we will be! Since 2013, there has been a constant coming and going. Rama did not leave by making 2-hour speeches or statements and conferences for the media. Hunger strikes, I don't think people should be forced to go on hunger strikes. People don't have to die. I don't think there is a need for strikes, to protest and not eat bread. Everything changes if he (Rama) is harassed, he is not allowed to enter the office, "They are trying to ruin his life. I think our movement is part of the solution," he said.
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