When 700 thugs try to rule over 700,000 citizens

Approximately 700 Democratic Party (DP) militants, stationed at five key crossroads in Tirana, claim their mission is to convince Albanian citizens that only Sali Berisha can lead the country. To achieve this, they are willing to block traffic, stir up tensions, and even clash with passersby or the police—sending the message that Albania will not find peace unless Berisha returns to power.

At its core, Tuesday’s protest reflects the DP’s ongoing frustration with Albanian citizens for not supporting them. It mirrors the same logic they apply when criticizing people for not attending their rallies: a deep resentment towards a public that refuses to align with their cause.

The belief that violence can "awaken" citizens from supposed apathy is a clear sign of panic within the DP. They seem to realize, deep down, that their political relevance is slipping away. When a party resorts to such tactics, it signals the abandonment of more conventional—and even radical—forms of resistance, such as parliamentary boycotts.

Historically, the most extreme way to seize power is through violent overthrow. But for the DP, this is not a viable option—they lack the strength and resources. The alternative is to outvote the government in elections, but that too seems out of reach, given the party's inability to mobilize more than a few thousand people for their protests.

This latest stunt—spreading 700 protesters across Tirana to disrupt the daily lives of 700,000 residents—feels less like a fight against the government and more like a battle against the citizens themselves for rejecting the opposition. Politically, this strategy backfires: it not only alienates the public but also reinforces the image of the DP as a reckless and confrontational force. In the end, such actions only bolster the government’s position.

The bigger issue now is that the opposition seems psychologically defeated. It’s not just their willingness to use crude tactics against residents and police; it’s their inability to present a coherent justification for their actions. Worse still, they have chosen the least credible figures to represent them.

Assigning Flamur Noka to rationalize their chaotic strategy might make sense internally—he excels at toeing the party line. But allowing him to be the face of the opposition to the broader public is another matter entirely. In Tirana, at least, it’s hard to imagine anyone less suited to convince citizens to follow him.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "700 cuba që duan t’u imponohen 700 mijë qytetarëve"