Opposition Democrats elect new leadership

TIRANA, Dec. 1 – The main opposition Democratic Party of Tirana Mayor Lulzim Basha has elected new leaders for key party positions over the weekend.
Arben Ristani will be Basha’s right hand as secretary general, while Edi Paloka, head of the parliamentary group, and Edmond Spaho, the parliament’s deputy head, will be his deputies.
Basha asked the new leaders to immediately start work in their departments and prepare the electoral platforms for the municipal elections next year.
The democrats have boycotted the parliament since July after one of their lawmakers, Gent Strazimiri, was physically attacked by two opposing Socialist counterparts who are now to face charges in a trial.
The new leaders have been in the party for years but are new to the leadership circles. Local media and analysts see their selection as a way for Basha to consolidate his leadership of the party after he took over from former prime minister and historical leader Sali Berisha.
Basha thanked all candidates for running, calling them all key to the party’s success in the future.