Italian MP: Sali Berisha, symbol of freedom and democracy, Albania needs a real change

The deputy of Forza Italia, Maurizio Casasco, gave a special speech in front of the Albanian community in Brescia, where he expressed appreciation and solidarity towards Albanians who live and contribute to Italian society. At the center of his speech was the figure of Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha, whom Casasco described as one of the most important leaders of post-communist Europe.

"Sali Berisha is not only a former President and former Prime Minister. He is the symbol of the struggle for freedom and democracy in Albania, which in 1990 led the people towards the overthrow of the dictatorship," said Casasco.

The Italian MP harshly criticized the decision to place Berisha under house arrest, describing it as a pure act of political persecution. He emphasized that in a true democracy, justice cannot be turned into an instrument of revenge.

Casasco: Dear friends,

It is with emotion and respect that I take the floor today, among you – Albanian citizens who honor the Italian society with your work and dignity – to participate in this special event, in the presence of a historical figure of European politics: Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha.

Sali Berisha is not just a former President and former Prime Minister of Albania. He is one of the most important personalities of post-communist Europe. He is the intellectual and leader who, in 1990, led the Albanian people towards freedom, bringing them out of the darkness of the dictatorship and starting them on the path of democracy and European integration.

Today, 34 years after that historic moment, he has been unjustly denied the very freedom for which he fought. He has been placed under house arrest – an act that cannot be described otherwise than political persecution. In a true democracy, justice can never turn into an instrument of revenge.

But today, Sali Berisha is free again – not thanks to someone's mercy, but thanks to his war and dignity. Once again, he has known how to surpass his time, and today he walks proudly alongside his people.

That is exactly why we are here today: to defend freedom, to defend democracy, not to remain silent!

Italy and Albania share a special history of friendship and cooperation. Under Silvio Berlusconi's leadership, Forza Italia built strong bridges with the Albanian Democratic Party – a partnership that continues today with loyalty and determination under the leadership of Antonio Tajani. Silvio Berlusconi and Sali Berisha were bound by a true personal and political friendship, and together they promoted Albania's rapprochement with Europe and the free world.

In 1997, after the tragedy of the sinking of the Albanian ship "Kater i Radës", which occurred after a collision with an Italian warship, it was Silvio Berlusconi – then leader of the opposition – who personally went to Bari, where he received and offered humanitarian aid to over 100 Albanian migrants. A great gesture of humanity and brotherhood that the Albanian people have never forgotten. A concrete symbol of the friendship between Italy and Albania, and of Berlusconi's political and human vision, also shared by Sali Berisha.

We share the same values: individual freedom, family, tradition, legality and a common Europe as a common horizon.

But Europe is not only a project of the future for Albania. Albanians are Europeans by birth. They are the people of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, who in the Middle Ages defended European civilization from the Ottoman threat, deserving the honorary title "Athlete of Christ". They are the descendants of Pope Clement XI Albani, the only Albanian Pope in history. They are the birthplace of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who with her mercy and service showed the world the power of pure love. And they are the land of Ismail Kadare, who with the power of speech and the freedom of his pen made Albania's voice heard throughout Europe.

The European identity of Albanians is not something to be gained – it is something to be recognised. It is rooted in the soul, in culture, in history and in the contribution that this people has made to the construction of European civilization itself. An identity that cannot and should no longer be questioned!

In this joint journey, a key figure is Bardhok Doda, coordinator of Forza Italia for the Albanian community in Italy and at the same time representative of the Democratic Party in Italy. His commitment, passion and dedication deserve our most sincere thanks. It is a living bridge between our two peoples and our two parties, and a true reference point for the thousands of Albanian citizens living in this country.

Dear friends,

The May 11 elections represent a historic moment. Albania needs real change, a leadership that inspires, that listens, that builds. We strongly believe that this change is represented by the Democratic Party and by Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha.

In Albania, we vote for the Democratic Party for a future of freedom and prosperity, while here in Italy, I invite you to vote for Forza Italia, to continue strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

We believe in the return of a great Albania, a European Albania, an Albania of hope.

That is why I invite you with all my heart: to believe in freedom, to vote for change!

Strong Democratic Party! Strength Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha! Long live freedom! Long live the Italian-Albanian friendship! Long live the Europe of peoples and history!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart everyone!