Ervin Salianji, as a political palacio in search of protagonism

2026-01-25 11:13:00, Politikë CNA

Ervin Salianji, convicted of false reporting in the "Babalja" case and known for his constant clashes with the DP's leadership structures, appeared yesterday at the opposition protest organized in front of the Prime Minister's Office, in a presence that for many democrats was perceived more as a "show" than as a sincere political commitment.

The man who once came out to taunt the Democrats and who is today considered by the leaders of the Democratic Party to have self-excluded himself, showed up to the protest with a group of young people, who could be counted on the fingers of one hand.

His presence brought neither mobilization, nor enthusiasm, nor visible support from the democratic base, but was accompanied by indifference and skepticism.

While allegations were spread that Salianji had come to the protest with a group of young people from Korça, the footage and facts from the ground do not support this claim.

Salianji appeared mainly alongside Valbona Mhilli, an activist close to him, whose origin, as is publicly known, is not from Korça, but from Puka. This refutes the narrative built about a territorial support that was not seen in reality.

What is most striking is the fact that Ervin Salianji did not stay in the protest until the end. CNA footage from the protest showed that he was among the first to leave, abandoning the protest before it ended.

Exclusive video/ Ervin Salianji abandons protest as soon as clash with police begins
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This action reinforced the belief that his presence was simply a political "parade", an appearance for the cameras and not an act of solidarity with the protesters or a real commitment to the opposition cause.

For many of the Democrats present, Salianj's appearance was read as an open provocation and a rebuke to the current leadership of the DP and other important party exponents, who have long considered Salianj outside the structures and decision-making of the Democratic Party.

Instead of contributing to opposition unity at a delicate political moment, his brief presence added to the perception that Salianji is using the protests as a personal stage to keep himself in the media spotlight.

Salianji did not convey any message in this protest but only appeared as a political "palacio" in search of protagonism./ CNA