With local elections moving closer on the political agenda, Sali Berisha is trying to expand the opposition’s space beyond the traditional parties. From Korça, the chairman of the Democratic Party issued a public invitation to representatives of the boulevard protest, signaling that names proposed by them could enter discussions for the 2027 local race.
The first public move for the local elections
Berisha’s statement is seen as one of the first clear political signals for the 2027 local elections. He said the Democratic Party is trying to build a broad opposition front and that it will accept proposals for candidates.
In this context, he also included the protesters who for 125 days have been gathering on the boulevard, a group that until now has remained outside the classic party structures.
A direct invitation for protest representatives
Berisha said he is ready to consider any proposal that may come from protest representatives. The political message is clear: the opposition wants to avoid leaving the energy of public dissatisfaction outside electoral calculations.
It remains to be seen whether this invitation will produce real inclusion or remain a political rapprochement dictated by the need for expansion ahead of the local elections.
The idea of two-round elections
In the same appearance, Berisha also floated the idea that local elections should be held in two rounds. According to him, municipalities should be led by candidates who receive an absolute majority of the votes.
He voiced support for a runoff in local elections, arguing that the winner should have majority backing from voters.
Meeting with allies to launch negotiations
Also part of the political move is the meeting called for Saturday with the opposition’s traditional allies. The aim of this meeting, according to the political announcement, is to begin talks on the local elections.
This shows that, beyond the public statements, the opposition camp is entering the first phase of testing alliances, candidacies and the formula with which it aims to enter the local race.
The invitation to protesters and the idea of a runoff come at a time when the opposition is seeking to broaden its political base and reshape its offer for local government.
Whether this will bring a genuine opening of the race or simply a mobilizing message for opposition voters is expected to be measured in the coming weeks and months within the camp opposing the government.