“The time has come to change the political system” — Dash Shehi: Europe remains our hope in the face of scandals

Albania needs a profound change of its political system, not simply a rotation of forces in power.

That was the message today on the Off the Record programme on A2 CNN from LZHK leader Dash Shehi, who sees his hope for change in Europe and the country’s integration into the EU.

“The day has come to change this political system. Not simply a rotation, this one leaves and another takes his place, because those are a continuation of the same scheme. Only in this way can Albania begin a new journey. We will also fight to change the system. These elections here are a test. And we will see how much our population reacts,” he said.

Shehi said the system cannot regulate itself without a major change stemming from politics and society.

“This is fixed with a great upheaval that stems from politics. I am not saying that this will become a republic of prosecutors, because we hope not. But I hope that all these things that are happening will push the new political forces, the people of progress, to think that the day has come to change this political system. Not simply a rotation, this one leaves and another takes his place, because those are a continuation of the same scheme. And only in this way, I say, can Albania begin a new journey,” the politician continued.

According to him, the problem is not only linked to the presence of criminal groups, but also to the fact that part of society has accepted corruption as a way of life.

“It is no longer a question of whether there are 10 criminal groups in Albania, or 100. The point is that part of society has also been corrupted, accepts corruption as a normal thing, accepts it as a way of life and does not react,” Shehi said.

According to him, European control and standards can help strengthen Albanian institutions and establish stronger rules.

“I have a hope in Europe. The closer we get to Europe, even in the state we are in, I consider it possible that some things will be put in order. Why? Let me take the police. If those inspectors of theirs come there, this cannot happen. Some rules will be put in place. By having a superior control, because those who have governed Albania have governed as individuals, not through institutions. Institutions will begin to have weight. Better than that. That is why I have a hope in Europe,” the former MP said.

Citing the example of Bulgaria after its EU accession, Shehi said European institutions can set standards for political appointments in member countries too.

“When the Bulgarians entered Europe, who were more or less like us today, there was an MP whose husband was in prison, a builder, one of the big ones, like we have plenty of here. And to reward her there, they sent this lady to be a commissioner in Europe. But what did those ladies there tell them? It is up to you to bring a commissioner, but you will not bring this lady here, because we will not sit with this lady here, she said in one line. And the Bulgarians were forced to send someone else.”