In memoriam/ Sokol Olldashi – a friend, a leader, an inspiration

2024-11-20 12:19:00, Politikë Eduart Halimi

Today marks 11 years since the premature death of Sokol, a dear friend and an unforgettable figure of our political family and Albanian politics. Although so many years have passed, his absence is felt every day – in the politics he tackled with commitment and courage, in the debates he enriched with his clear and courageous thinking, and in the relationships he built with sincerity and dignity.

• Sokol had the courage to speak the truth, even when it was difficult and often uncomfortable.

• He knew how to build bridges of cooperation where there was division and division.

• He knew how to build a team and appreciated his colleagues!

• He led with a clear vision and unwavering commitment to the political family and his associates.

• Above all, he had the ability to inspire and motivate others, seeing in everyone the potential to contribute and make a difference.

Sokol was the man who didn't run away when he lost, who didn't swear when there were arguments within the family, and who didn't create a party to attack ours. On the contrary, he knew how to stand with dignity, keeping the family united, in good and difficult times. He built friendships beyond politics and valued the man above all – that dedicated democrat who fought every day for our ideals and for our political family. Sokol always stood with integrity, honesty and loyalty to his ideals, until the last day.

For me, it was an incredible privilege to work alongside him – to share difficult and beautiful moments, to debate ideas and people, and to learn from his energy and determination. I still fondly remember our discussions about the challenges and people of politics, about the mediocre and the hypocrites, and about the principles we should never betray. I remember that dinner we planned for the next day that never came, which you jokingly called "the dinner party" that would reconcile any differences until the next local elections in 2015.

Today, as I remember all that you represented, I feel the pain of your loss, but above all I feel the privilege of having known you, worked with you, and shared visions for our political family. You leave us a lot - a rare example of dedication and sincerity, a model of true leadership and an inspiration to all those who believe in a fairer politics and a better Albania.

Rest in peace, our Falcon! Your memory will always remain alive - as a rare leader, as a sincere friend and as a man who gave everything for those he believed in./ CNA