Prime Minister and SP leader Edi Rama, during a meeting with socialist political leaders and heads of parliamentary committees, emphasized that a new relationship between citizens and the government will be created.
The head of government also spoke about opening up the party and bringing young people closer, not only in age but also in mindset.
“Staying in power for a long time cannot mean getting in the way of young people and new forces, but opening the way for young people does not mean handing over Albania to those who declare themselves new forces, just because they have not yet been in power. It means opening the party, opening decision-making, opening the governing process to young people, not simply in age but in mindset, creating space for new ideas, producing leaders, not just followers,” said Rama.
“Let’s give life to a different relationship between the citizen and the government, and put the party at the disposal of the citizen and the state, not the citizen and the state at the disposal of the party,” the prime minister continued.
Edi Rama has further stated that the Socialist Party will not leave the government due to the protests, emphasizing that its mandate stems from the vote of citizens and the parliamentary majority.
Responding to the question of why he wants to continue governing even after 13 years in power, Rama said that in a democracy, no one inherits or hands over power at will, but only according to the will of the people.
“A political party neither inherits the wheel of power, nor does it have the right to let it go, because some others want to drive the machine of power themselves. The Socialist Party exercises power for as long as the people have given it and for as long as it has the votes in the Assembly,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that he himself does not have the right to decide who should be in government or in opposition, as this is determined only by citizens through their votes.
Rama also commented on the calls for his resignation, saying that he cannot leave office just because “a minority calls in chorus.”
“‘Rama, resign,’ I like that song and it energizes me. But leaving office because a minority calls for it is just abandoning a great responsibility,” he declared.
In conclusion, the head of government said that the Socialist Party’s mission will continue until the objective of Albania’s membership in the European Union is achieved.
“Our mission will continue until the flag of Skanderbeg and Ismail Qemali is placed in the courtyard of a united Europe,” said Rama.