We will support a miner as an independent electoral candidate
The miners’ support for Elton Debreshi has arisen from the dedication that he has shown as leader of the trade union
It’s been a month since submitting the petition with around 11,000 signatures recognition of the Miner’s Status. To date, there has been no reaction from the irresponsible state institutions. No answer to the expressed will of thousands of citizens, while the state is in the hands of those who have seized economic and political power in the country.
What goes beyond the petition submitted 30 days ago is the permanent struggle for the Miner’s Status that has been perpetuated by the community of miners for more than 30 years. None of the parties that have governed the country during this time, as well as the hundreds of MPs comfortably occupying the seats in parliament, have ever considered the needs of the miners.
Faced with this challenge, with no hope of amelioration from the same people who have led us to this day, the United Miners of Bulqiza Trade Union has come to a very important decision:
We will support a miner, Elton Debreshi, as an independent candidate for the Albanian parliament in the upcoming elections of April 25th, 2021 in the District of Dibra.
The profession of the miner, the most difficult and dangerous one, has never been represented in parliament. Landlords, rich people and politicians have asked for our votes, only to abandon our demands and to enrich themselves. In these elections, we are facing the same "alternatives" of the same old corrupt politicians.
Under these circumstances, supporting a miner as an independent candidate for MP is the best way to bring our demand for the Miner’s Status at the centre of attention and at the heart of this electoral campaign. A miner in Parliament will be the guarantee that our rights will no longer be violated, that the miners’ voice will no longer drown among the noise of those in power. The Miner’s Status, the cause for which we have struggled endlessly, will be our guiding light in every step of the way.
We are aware of the difficulties that this initiative entails, at a time when the practice of buying votes and imposing the will of the strongest have become the main focus of all political parties. They are the deadliest enemies of democracy and representation from below, from the workers themselves, the citizens, from those who suffer the most from injustice. But we have embarked upon this journey counting on the support of the community of Dibra: the miners and retired miners, as well as our fellow citizens. Prompted by many well-wishers in different cities during the signing of the petition, after many discussions with the membership of the trade union, we decided to support Elton Debreshi as an independent candidate for MP.
The miners’ support for Elton Debreshi has arisen from the dedication that he has shown as leader of the trade union. Despite his illegal sacking from work, Elton has not taken a step back but has resolutely continued the effort to protect the rights of miners. We are convinced that his determination, courage and honesty will be his strongholds in this new and difficult path. Elton Debreshi will be the face of our joint effort for the miners and the whole community.
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