“The only narco-state” – Berisha again blackens Albania’s name in Strasbourg: We owe the diaspora almost our survival!

From Strasbourg, where he delivered his speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha called for an international stance against what the opposition leader himself calls a “narco-state”, referring to Edi Rama’s socialist government and once again blackening Albania’s name before the international community.

Berisha accused his political opponent of driving Albanians out of the country.

“This is entirely a consequence of the Albanian narco-state, which is the only narco-state in the world, but unfortunately still unrecognised and unassessed as such by Europe. Albania is the leading exporter of cannabis, while Albanian drug cartels are the biggest transporters of cocaine in Europe. An international stance against this narco-state is vital, in order to save the nation.”

In his speech, the opposition leader praised the role of the Albanian diaspora in the country’s freedoms and cultural development.

“No nation can and should be prouder of its diaspora than the Albanian nation. We owe the diaspora almost our survival, our freedoms, as well as an extraordinary contribution to our culture. But today, unfortunately, I must present to you a terrible picture, a devastating effect of emigration on my country. Justin Gast, in a study carried out in 149 countries, has concluded that emigration can cause a “democratic hollowing-out” and have very serious consequences.”

Sali Berisha’s speech in Strasbourg was delivered as part of discussions on the role of diasporas and migrants in developing social cohesion and democratic engagement.