Amidst reflection on the Grand Duchy and the alliance with Berisha, Meta: We are on the front line against the regime

From the cell where he is isolated, Meta speaks at length about his situation, his past mistakes, his relationship with his wife Monika Kryemadhi, and the future of the Freedom Party.

Asked about his relationship with Monika Kryemadhi, with whom he has shared not only his personal life but also political battles for decades, Meta avoids personal emotions and focuses on the consequences of a political decision that, according to him, has cost him dearly: the burning of the LSI mandates in 2019.

Regarding the fate of the Freedom Party, Meta says that reflection began with the Convention of April 27, 2024. For him, it was a turning point where the political force was freed from nepotism - a wound that accompanied the LSI and which, as he admits, severely damaged it in the eyes of citizens.

Meanwhile, faced with a difficult personal and political situation, Meta says he is more motivated than ever. He speaks of his character and convictions as internal motivations for not giving up.

Regarding the relationship with Sali Berisha, Meta does not hide that the cooperation with him has been constant and, as he says, always in the service of common causes.

He cites the case of 2005 when cooperation occurred to overthrow a government that had blocked European integration, and 2009 when an agreement was reached that led to visa liberalization.

For Meta, the alliance with Berisha is not simply a political agreement, but a necessity in the face of a regime that, as he describes it, is concentrating power in a single hand.

Excerpt from the interview

Question: Monika Kryemadhi was a wife and a fellow fighter in politics. Do you have a message for her today, in this special situation?

Answer: Now is the time to focus on the Future, because the mistakes of the past, especially the burning of the 19 mandates of the SMI, unbalanced all the guarantees that existed and facilitated the total capture of the state.

Question: Is this a moment of reflection for the future of the Freedom Party? Do you still see this force as an important actor in defending pluralism and fundamental freedoms in the country?

Answer: Definitely! The reflection began with the Convention of April 27, 2024, which eradicated nepotism, which became a curse for the former LSI. Likewise with our very clear program, 5 priorities for 4 million plus Albanians.

There can be no restoration of fundamental freedoms in the country, of democracy and accountability without the strengthening of the Freedom Party.

Don't forget that without the LSI, the two peaceful and democratic rotations in 2005 and 2013 would not have happened.

Therefore, the LSI had to be eliminated, to turn political life from a three-polar world into a "One-man show".

Question: What motivates you today to remain steadfast, in the face of such a strong political and personal blow?

Answer:   This has to do with my beliefs, but also with character. Strong blows, especially treacherous ones, awaken even more motivating energy. Without the treacherous blow at Pearl Harbor, the US would probably never have become so strong.

Question: If you had a message for Albanians who believe in you – what would you say to them today, from where you are?

Answer: I am more motivated than ever to protect their future and that of their children in our country, which we must protect at all costs. They should be sure that the case when circumstances break people has nothing to do with Ilir Meta.

In short, I would say: Our highest mountains.

Question: Mr. Meta, in difficult political moments, you have often collaborated with Sali Berisha. Does this relationship of trust continue today?

Answer: Undoubtedly, the cooperation with Mr. Berisha has always been in the service of the country and my causes. In 2005, it was an indirect cooperation, since Nano had blocked the country's European integration and rotation was needed. In 2009, a coalition was formed that guaranteed visa liberalization, among other things. Even today, we cooperate against the Narcoregime, which is a threat to every Albanian who has reason and dignity.

Industry is plummeting, agriculture is plummeting, and only skyscrapers are going up and resorts are going up, especially after the many fires this summer.

Question: Is the Meta-Berisha alliance more than a political agreement? Do you consider Berisha a strategic ally to defend democracy, or a partner in the face of a system that is centralizing power?

Answer: Whoever comes to the front lines against the Narco-regime is our ally and partner.

Question: If tomorrow the opposition had to unite against the government, would you and Berisha be ready to lead a common front, despite personal challenges and institutional blows?

Answer: Ramafor's mafia-style attacks, dictated by the Socialist Party tribune against SPAK, are stronger reasons to remain at the forefront of this battle that requires extreme sacrifices, and not a part-time and silent opposition.