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OP-ED

Sali Berisha in the role of Prime Minister

Politiko 2022-11-21 17:17:10
Sali Berisha in the role of Prime Minister

Politiko.al

Today has been a long day for Sali Berisha. As, more or less one could say that all days have been long, since September last year, when he presented the now famous "Foltore" which then turned into the "Refounding" of the Democratic Party and, currently at the helm of DP, the partial elections on March 6, internal primaries - culminating on December 4 - and two successful protests.

On Monday morning, through weather that did not promise a truce for a moment, the former prime minister and the chairman of the Democratic Party trampled almost the entire flooded territory of Shkodër municipality. He met with the residents, comforted the injured, and visited the family of the two victims who were swept away by the Boga stream.

More than an itinerary or an inventory of meetings, what was seen, but perhaps not said, was that Sali Berisha appeared today in Shkodër as the leader of the opposition, but also as the prime minister of Albania.

The second came as a result of the one shining with absence, Prime Minister Edi Rama. For the cynics or critics, who say that the flood happened just as hard even when Berisha was in charge of the government, only one fact can be stated. Yes, but together with the rains, as then and now, Sali Berisha also appeared. Once as prime minister, and once as opposition leader.

This counts for a lot in the record of a politician who follows words with action and does not let them be taken by wind or rain, flooding the public space, offering, if no solution is possible, at least human solidarity.

For others, who criticize the political use of the situation by Berisha, one should remember what his rhetoric encapsulated today. He told the people of Shkodra that the government should at least warn them that the storm was coming so that they could save what they could of the furniture or livestock. He told them another truth, that it was not a rainy day that brought the flood, but the opening of the dams of the two hydropower plants in the Drin cascade.

Edi Rama did not appear in Shkodër to prove himself in his own words, nor did he address the subject of floods at all. On the contrary, as a resident of the sky, not of Albania, he spoke of high buildings. In a cynical mockery of thousands of Albanians underwater, the Prime Minister announced that he had confiscated 15 illegal constructions.

Sali Berisha, by instinct or by decision, was in Shkodër today, perhaps even to witness what the slogan of the party he represents claims: Albania is in danger. Let's be her saviors!

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