The figure of Josif Budo is honored, Berisha compares him to Salianji, the former MP remembers the days in prison

Kavaja, just like 35 years ago, once again became the focus of opposition activity. Senior officials of the Democratic Party and former foreign officials gathered to inaugurate the statue of the first martyr of democracy, Josif Budo, who lost his life during the protests that took place in this city against the communist dictatorship.

For Sali Berisha, even today, after 35 years, Josif Budo's sacrifice should be a reminder for every Albanian.

"After 35 years, the blood, the sacrifice, the ideals of Josif Budo are a true testament to every Albanian, to every Albanian. You remember, today's situation with the '90s in some aspects is light years away. But in others it is as black as it was in 1990."

He says that today opponents are no longer shot, but imprisoned, which is why he also praised former MP Ervin Salianji from Kavaja, who a few days ago gained freedom after 10 months in prison.

"He imprisoned his opponents. Ervin Salianji spoke here because he condemned the protection that Fatmir Xhafaj and Edi Rama gave Geron Xhafa for the Vlora traffickers. Every Albanian must honor Josif Buda, his blood, his sacrifice, with a solemn oath that we will never agree with this regime."

Ervin Salianji himself, present at this event, recalled his time in prison and said that we are living in a new dictatorship.

"My heart tells me to speak as a citizen, not as a political representative. As an individual who has just finished his acquaintance with prison, not as a metaphor, but as a reality in the new dictatorship. In an isolation where life is counted by the hour, but with patience. With silence. With endurance."

For former German ambassador Werner Daum, who served in Albania in the 1990s, the sacrifice of democracy martyr Josif Budo was necessary to create a new Albania.

"Josif Budo paid the highest price for his opinion, for his desire and for his love for his country. You must know and convey the sacrifice of Josif Budo, which was not only a spark for Albania, but the sacrifice necessary to create a new Albania."

After the ceremony for the statue of Joseph Buda, former German ambassador Werner Daum was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Mayor of Kavaja, Fisnik Qosja, for his contribution in 1990. (A2 Televizion)