DECEMBER MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN – FROM THE IDEAL OF FREEDOM TO THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALBANIA’S FUTURE
WE WILL ESTABLISH THE “SULMI NACIONAL” PARTY
By Flamur Buçpapaj
December 1990 remains one of the most important moments in modern Albanian history. It was a moment when a new generation of Albanians decided to challenge fear and demand a different future for their country. It was the time when the word “freedom” gained a new meaning for millions of Albanians who, for decades, had lived under a closed political system, without true pluralism, without full freedom of expression, and without the opportunity to choose their own path.
We, the students of December, did not take to the streets for personal privileges. We did not seek positions, wealth, or power. We stood up because we believed that Albania deserved to be a free and democratic country — a country where citizens had a voice, where different opinions were respected, and where the future was built on human dignity.
Those days required courage. No one knew what tomorrow would bring. Confronting a system that had been established for decades was not easy. But history shows that great changes are made by people who have the courage to speak when others remain silent.
December was not only a student movement. It was the hope of an entire nation. It was the voice of parents who wanted a better life for their children, of young people who wanted opportunities, and of citizens who wanted to live in freedom.
Today, after more than three decades, it is time to make an honest assessment. Albania has made important progress. It is part of Euro-Atlantic alliances, has built democratic institutions, and has created opportunities that once seemed impossible.
But democracy is not measured only by elections and institutions. It is measured by the well-being of citizens, by justice, by opportunities for young people, and by the trust people have in the state.
And this is exactly where the disappointment of many who believed in the ideals of December lies.
Many of us feel forgotten. Not because we seek privileges, but because we believe that the sacrifices and ideals of that generation must be respected and must not be used only as political symbols during commemorations.
We did not fight so that democracy would only mean changing governments. We fought so that democracy would bring a fair state, an economy that creates opportunities, a justice system that protects citizens, and a society where work and merit have value.
Albania’s transition has been a difficult journey. The transformation from a closed system to a market economy brought new opportunities, but also major social challenges. Many families faced unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship.
Emigration became one of the greatest consequences of these difficulties. Hundreds of thousands of Albanians left in search of a better life. Young people, professionals, family members, and talented individuals departed. Every person who leaves is a loss for the country.
An Albania that loses its youth must seriously reflect on its future.
Today, we need a policy that does not think only about the next elections, but about future generations. We need an economy that produces, not only consumes. We need support for agriculture, industry, energy, tourism, and technology.
Investors must have legal security. Entrepreneurs must be protected by the law. Citizens must feel that the state stands on their side.
One of the greatest problems of the transition has been the weakening of trust in institutions. When citizens see corruption, bureaucracy, and a lack of equality before the law, confidence in democracy itself is damaged.
Justice is the foundation of every serious state. Without justice, there is no development, no investment, and no security for citizens.
At the same time, Albania must have a clear national vision. The national interest must stand above narrow political interests. We must strengthen the economy, security, education, healthcare, and Albania’s position in the region and in the world.
The generation of December does not seek to turn back time. On the contrary, it seeks to give new meaning to the ideals of that period in today’s reality.
Freedom without justice is incomplete. Democracy without economic development is insufficient. A democratic state must give its citizens hope.
For this reason, I, Flamur Buçpapaj, believe that the time has come for a new public commitment. In the upcoming elections, I will address Albanian citizens with a political alternative called “Sulmi Nacional” (National Attack), with the aim of bringing a new debate about the future of the country.
This alternative seeks to place the national interest, economic development, strengthening of the rule of law, protection of property, support for the Albanian family, and the creation of opportunities for young people at the center of public life.
Politics must be a service and a responsibility. It must not be a privilege reserved for a small group of people. Albania needs people who believe that change is still possible.
December taught us a great lesson: when citizens have courage and believe in an ideal, history can change.
Today, our duty is to ensure that the dream of a free, fair, and developed Albania does not remain only a memory.
It must become reality.
For the generation of December.
For the generations to come.
For Albania.
