The recent political developments seemed to take PBDNJ toward a vicious circle. It was often hinted in the media that the chairman of PBDNJ, Vangjel Dule, who is a representative of the Greek minority, would not be part of the opposition lists represented by the DP. These gossips also alerted Athens, because this would leave the Greek minority in Albania unrepresented. But, the events took another course and today, Dule sees himself as part of the opposition list in the constituency of Vlora, where he says that in these elections, the opposition will change the traditional result of the SP in this constituency
You are part of the list of the constituency of Vlora, where you have strong rivalry, given that Vlora is a stronghold of the SP, which has never changed. How do you view the right wing coalition in this constituency?
The constituency of Vlora has a very interesting configuration in the June 25 elections and in contrast to other times, the united opposition coalition which runs under the DP logo, has all chances to overturn the traditional result in this constituency. This will offer a contribution for a victory in other constituencies and as a result, nationwide too.
The participation of the opposition in the elections came as a result of the agreement that was reached between Rama and Basha. If it wasn’t for this agreement, the crisis would continue. How would you consider this agreement?
The solution that was given through the agreement reached between Rama and Basha was not the ideal one, but we can consider it as an emergency solution in order to overcome the difficult political situation that was created in the country. As we know, this agreement includes a general Constitutional Reform and at the same time, the Electoral Reform. Everything that concerns elections in our country must change. In this aspect, in the coming elections, the priority of the government is not to leave the necessary amendments which need to be made for the latter part of the mandate, but offer a solution in the first six months of the next legislative period.
Do you think Meta’s election was the most suitable thing to do and has this satisfied both sides? What is your opinion on this figure?
This was an issue that concerned the governing coalition, SP and SMI. Of course we cannot say if it was right or wrong. Every parliamentary majority is constitutionally entitled to elect the President with a simple majority in Parliament. Beyond the constitutional and legal aspect, I personally would have liked Ilir Meta to remain an active politician. However, I respect this choice which has been made.
Now, the electoral campaign is becoming more and more intense for all political parties. Is it as aggressive as before? Have you noticed anything in particular from this campaign?
This campaign is a calm electoral campaign, but I am sorry about the fact that once again, the debate doesn’t focus on the current political developments and the issues that citizens and society want to address, but it is focused on secondary aspects, sensations and often absurdities. Let us gather once again as a political class, to act as such with responsibility and to offer to the people more motivation, hope and solutions. People see elections not as a process which will offer a solution to their problems and which will improve their daily lives. Some see them with militancy and some see them as a way for personal gains. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the political class. On the other hand, I am not one of them who say that people and society don’t share any responsibility on this. They, too, have their share of responsibility and guilt about this situation. But for as long as we’re driven by militancy when we vote, we will have similar situations the whole time, sometimes improved, sometimes deteriorated, but always moving inside the same boundaries of this vicious circle.
