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Thomas Kunze praised the historic contribution of the Democratic Party to the country's democratization and integration processes, reaffirming the support of the KAS Foundation for Albania's European journey...
The Director for Albania of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), Thomas Kunze, praised the role of the Democratic Party in the country's modern history and in the European integration process, during his speech at the congress of this political force.
Addressing the assembly delegates, Kunze said that the Democratic Party occupies an important place in the history of modern Albania, emphasizing that its roots in the anti-communist movement have served as the basis for building democracy in the country.
He also focused on the period of the communist regime, describing Albania at that time as one of the most isolated and oppressed countries in the world. According to him, for decades Albanian citizens faced severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including the prohibition of freedom of religion, the lack of the right to travel, and the political persecution of thousands of people.
Kunze emphasized that since its founding, the Democratic Party has supported the release of political prisoners and the rehabilitation of persons persecuted during the communist regime.
In his speech, the KAS director also praised the Democratic Party's contribution to Albania's European integration process. He recalled that during its government, the application for membership in the European Union was submitted in 2009, a step he described as historic and fundamental on the country's path towards the EU.
"The Democratic Party has played an important role in Albania's European integration. Its government made it possible to submit an application for membership in the European Union in 2009, a historic moment for the country," said Kunze.
He underlined that the Konrad Adenauer Foundation has supported democratic and integration processes in Albania for years, collaborating in the promotion of democracy, political freedom, the rule of law and European integration.
According to him, the foundation will continue to support these values in the future through partnership with political and social actors in the country.
Kunze emphasized the importance of the existence of a strong opposition in every democracy, underlining that the opposition must not only exercise its critical function, but also offer alternatives and solutions to citizens.
Full word
On behalf of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, I wish you success in this party congress. Your party, the Democratic Party, holds an important place in the history of modern Albania. Its roots in the anti-communist period serve as the basis of democracy, and Albania has made great progress.
For many people in Western Europe, it is difficult to imagine how difficult life was under communist rule in this country. For 40 years under the regime of Enver Hoxha, Albania was one of the most closed and oppressive countries in the world, not only in Europe, but anywhere in the world.
People couldn't travel, religion was banned. More than 30,000 people were in prison. Tens of thousands more were persecuted or sent to labor camps. Families were punished for what their father or grandfather had done. There was no room for dissent, no room for the rule of law. The state was everything.
Since its founding, the Democratic Party under Sali Berisha has supported the release of political prisoners, the persecuted, and all those who suffered during the communist regime.
It should not be forgotten that the Democratic Party has played an important role in Albania's European integration. Mr. Klan and Mr. Bajer mentioned this. The Democratic Party government made it possible for Albania to submit its application for membership in the European Union in 2009. This was historic and an important cornerstone on Albania's path towards Europe.
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation has supported this journey for many years. We have worked together in the spirit of democracy, political freedom, the rule of law and European integration. And we remain committed to these values and partnership with you in the future.
A strong opposition is important in any democracy. And the opposition must not only criticize, but also offer solutions, innovate, and take responsibility when people place their trust in it.
And that is precisely what today's discussions are for. I wish you fruitful discussions, wise decisions, and every success in this party assembly and in the future of Albania.
Thank you.
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