Democratic Party Chairman Lulzim Basha said in a press conference today he is supported by 95% of the party members. Last month, Basha decided to expel former Chairman Sali Berisha from the parliamentary group, under pressure from the US Embassy in Tirana after Berisha and his family was banned from entering the United States as per a decision of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. However, Berisha contested Basha’s decision and started a tour across the country to meet the party base, which has shown him support and asked for an extraordinary assembly, but Basha rejected the convocation.

After Basha said “95% of the Democrats support me”, his deputy and chairman of the Democrat National Council Edi Paloka appealed for a vote of confidence.

“If you are convinced you are backed by 95% of the Democrats then spare us the disturbance! Do not step down if you’re convinced you made the right decision and for that you have the support of 95% of the Democrats, ask for their vote of confidence and stop the schism that is deepening every on account of your September 9 decision”, Paloka wrote.

“If 51%, not 95% of Democrats  support you, you have all the legitimacy to continue leading the Democrat Party, and all the Democrats have the obligation to unite and battle against the enemy not only of the Democrats but of all Albanians, Edi Rama”.