The Democratic Party (PD) continues its momentum of relentless protests against Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, with party leadership projecting 2025 as the year of significant change. Speaking at the 41st protest held outside Tirana’s City Hall, Belind Këlliçi, a PD executive committee member, delivered a fiery speech reinforcing the party’s commitment to achieving victory in the upcoming elections on May 11.
The Fight for Accountability
Këlliçi emphasized that the opposition will not back down, declaring 2025 as “the year of the Democrats”. Addressing the crowd, he said, “Anyone who thought the Democratic Party would stop has received their answer today. We have protested for 333 days, and we will continue to protest until the wrongdoer, the thief Erion Veliaj, is brought to justice.”
Këlliçi drew comparisons to Sali Berisha, highlighting the resilience of their leadership and supporters. “Just as Sali Berisha is here with us today, we will continue our fight and win the elections on May 11. This is our year—this is the year for Albanians,” he declared.
Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement
In his speech, Këlliçi also criticized the corruption surrounding Veliaj and the ongoing controversy over Nesti Angoni, a name linked to alleged political and financial misconduct. He pointed to Veliaj’s acknowledgment of using the civil registry to confirm that “Nesti Angoni does not exist,” accusing him of committing a criminal offense.
“How is it possible that Veliaj managed to prove Nesti Angoni’s nonexistence in just one hour, but in seven years, he hasn’t found the Tirana incinerator, which also doesn’t exist?” Këlliçi asked. The Tirana incinerator scandal has become a focal point for PD’s protests, with claims that over €132 million have been misappropriated for a non-existent facility.
Këlliçi further accused Altin Dumani and Dritan Prençi, officials from Albania’s justice system, of failing to act on the evidence provided. “How can Dumani rely on testimony from Nesti Angoni but fail to find the non-existent Tirana incinerator, for which we’re still paying €80,000 a day?” he questioned. Këlliçi urged authorities to investigate Veliaj or “send him to his comrades.”
Commitment to Democratic Change
Reinforcing PD’s strategy, Këlliçi underscored the importance of persistence. He urged supporters to remain steadfast and committed to exposing corruption and bringing change to Albania. “We are here for the long haul, for accountability, and for justice,” he concluded.
A Call for Action
The Democratic Party’s continued protests against Erion Veliaj reflect a broader call for transparency and reform. With May 11 as a critical date, PD leaders are rallying their base, presenting this year as a pivotal moment in Albania’s political landscape.
Belind Këlliçi’s speech not only reinforced PD’s accusations of corruption but also served as a rallying cry for supporters to intensify their efforts. As 2025 unfolds, the Democratic Party positions itself as a driving force for change, aiming to transform the political narrative and restore trust in Albania’s democratic processes.
