CDI supports the protest in Albania, Këlliçi: The request for an investigation into the government's links to crime was welcomed

The Vice President of the Democratic Party, Belind Këlliçi, announced that the CDI, the largest international center-right organization, has adopted a statement on the situation in Albania, expressing concern about the state of democracy and support for the civic protest.

In a statement to the media, Këlliçi said that during the General Assembly in Brussels, the DP delegation requested the establishment of a working group to document the Albanian government's links to organized crime and drug cartels, as well as the organization of an international conference on what the opposition calls "drug cartels" in Albania.

Statement by the Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party, Belind Këlliçi:

Dear citizens,

The international center-right organization, the largest in the world, Centrist Democrat International CDI, with 115 member parties representing 83 countries around the world, including the DPA, held its General Assembly in Brussels.

The DPA delegation, led by Chairman Sali Berisha, informed the Assembly on current developments in Albania, the epic citizen protest that has now entered its 48th day in the square, and requested the establishment of a working group to document the Albanian government's links to organized crime and drug cartels, a request that was immediately welcomed positively, along with the proposal to hold an international conference on the narco-state in Albania.

After familiarizing ourselves with the current situation in our country and the latest developments, as well as after permanent support with a series of resolutions on the electoral farce of May 11, 2025, this organization adopted a statement on the situation in Albania, as follows:

CDI Statement on the Situation in Albania.

Center Democratic International (CDI),

– Expresses its deep concern about the continuing deterioration of democracy, the rule of law and democratic institutions in Albania, as reflected in recent international reports and assessments.

– Expresses its solidarity with the democratic opposition and with thousands of Albanian citizens, especially with the many young people, who have been peacefully protesting for more than 45 days in defense of democracy, transparency, the rule of law, environmental protection, property rights and Albania's European future.

– Reaffirms that the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and political participation are fundamental democratic freedoms that must be fully respected and protected.

– Calls on the Albanian authorities to engage in a genuine democratic dialogue, to fully implement international recommendations for electoral reform and strengthening the rule of law, to guarantee equal conditions for political competition and to stop any form of intimidation or pressure against peaceful protesters, journalists and civil society.

– Reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the CDI to support the Albanian people in their efforts for democracy, pluralism, the rule of law and the values ​​of the CDI.

Thank you.