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OPINEWS

82 mandates, a reward for what?

Politiko 2025-05-13 18:36:46

82 mandates, a reward for what?

By Osman Stafa

On May 11, Albania went to the polls and something happened that, according to democratic logic and civic sensitivity to abuse, should have been impossible: Edi Rama's Socialist Party, after 12 years in power, not only went unpunished, but won more mandates than ever – 82.
In any normal country, a government accused of:
Systematic corruption,
Mafia concessions that suck billions of euros from citizens' taxes,
Incinerators that exist only on paper,
The health system's slide towards collapse,
Degraded education that drives young people out of the country,
And organized crime that has taken over municipalities and institutions…
…should have faced a punitive vote. With a clear civic reaction that says: “ENOUGH!” But this did not happen. On the contrary, Albanians, at least according to the official results, rewarded this reality with more power, for the same people.
Shouldn't a message have been given?
For what happened in these 12 years, this government should have been punished with a vote. With a strong citizen message that tells the government: “No, we will not allow this anymore.” Because governance is not a gift, it is a responsibility. And when it is abused, there must be consequences.
This government is not only worn out, it is corrupt to the core. And in the face of this reality, the vote should not have been a reward, nor an acceptance, but a REVOLT.
Because there is no legal sense to justify that the Socialist Party, with important figures under investigation and in prison such as:
Erion Veliajn, Ilir Beqaj, Lefter Koka, Alqi Bllako, Jurgis Çyrbja, Safet Gjici, Vangjush Dako (house arrest) and dozens of mayors, wins so convincingly.
If corruption, theft, arrogance, receive as a response, approval and votes that lead to 82 mandates, what are we waiting for these 4 years? Isn't this legitimizing corruption and theft?
It is understandable that many Albanians no longer vote for Sali Berisha, but there were others. Agron Shehaj, Arlind Qori, Adriatik Lapaj, new, uncorrupted figures. Why weren't they supported? So there was an alternative.
And for the sake of a figure that a majority no longer votes for, we keep a corrupt and hopeless system in power. This is not a choice, it is surrender.
Because in this country, perhaps more than we seek change, we fear it. Perhaps we suffer from Stockholm Syndrome. And forgive me for what I am about to say, but "Enver Hoxha, perhaps was not at fault, for the 45 years of dictatorship". Perhaps this is how this people like it, to slander, insult, mock, trample, humiliate, steal, etc.
Are we tired of corruption, or have we become part of it?
If arrogance, theft, failure, and crime are not punished by vote, then the problem is not only with those who govern, but also with those who allow and vote for them.
In these elections we cannot talk about a clean victory when the process is accompanied by:
Vote buying,
Pressure on the administration,
Involvement of criminal groups,
Capture of the media.
In any democratic society, these are not elections, they are legitimate frauds.
And as for this, the opposition, the Democratic Party, must definitely reform and create a new leadership, as the only remaining option, to confront this system and to convince these people to stop selling votes, to punish a government that is 12 years old now, and 16 years old in 4 years.

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