Lulzim Basha Refuses to Join Protests, Criticizes Ilir Meta as 'Chronic Bargainer'

Lulzim Basha, the leader of the Democratic Party of Albania, has refused to join protests organized by the Party of Freedom and Reestablishment in front of the Tirana City Hall.

Basha criticized Ilir Meta, the former president of Albania, accusing him of being a "chronic bargainer" who brought and kept Prime Minister Edi Rama in power.

In his statements, Basha argued that it is contradictory to call a protest against corruption while putting Meta at the forefront, as he was the one who undermined the opposition and helped Rama come to power. "It is Ilir Meta who brought and kept Edi Rama, the current Prime Minister, in power," Basha said. He further accused Meta's people of signing for a fee increase at the Municipality.

Basha also recalled Meta's role in the burning of mandates in 2019, stating, "Meta has been the instigator of the burning of mandates and is the biggest beneficiary of Edi Rama's power. Meta went and kissed Rama in Shkodër after the events of January 21, and he is the main factor in Rama's coming to power and keeping it in power in 2017."

The Democratic Party leader emphasized that his party must distance itself from people like Meta, who he holds responsible for Rama's rise to power. Basha described the protest as an "own goal" for including Meta while claiming to be against corruption.

Basha declared that for the Democratic Party, Ilir Meta has ceased to exist as a political factor, and there is no longer any political relationship between the Democratic Party and Meta's party, the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI). He referred to Meta and his party as "chronic shopaholics" who no longer have problems even with the Democratic Party.

The protests at Tirana City Hall have highlighted the ongoing political tensions in Albania and the complex dynamics between various political figures. As corruption remains a major issue in the country, Basha's refusal to join the protests and his strong criticism of Meta's role in enabling Rama's power have added another layer to the political discourse.

Key Takeaways

• Basha has refused to join protests organized by the Party of Freedom and Reestablishment.
• Basha accused Meta of bringing and keeping Rama in power, undermining the opposition.
• Basha criticized Meta's role in the burning of mandates in 2019 and his alliance with Rama.
• Basha said the Democratic Party has no political relationship with Meta's party, the LSI.
• Protests highlight political tensions in Albania and Basha's criticism of Meta's role in Rama's power.