Flash News

VIDEO-scandal in Saranda/ Director of AMP Vlora and officials sexually harass tourists

"The New York Times" about Ye's concert: How Rama justifies the $4.5 million in funding

The suspected perpetrator of the murder in Laç is identified, he shot the 40-year-old 7 times near the palace

7 bullets on the doorstep, who is the 40-year-old with 4 surnames who was killed in Laç

Morning Post/ In 2 lines: What mattered yesterday in Albania

Ditari i Maxhorancës

Minister Ferit Hoxha called Macedonian Albanians "idiots", 'outraged' by the desecration of the Israeli flag

Politiko 2026-06-21 11:11:20

Minister Ferit Hoxha called Macedonian Albanians "idiots",

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has reacted after the incident that occurred during last night's protest in Tirana, where several masked people removed and desecrated the flag of the Israeli Embassy.

Through an official statement, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs condemned the event, describing it as an act that contradicts democratic values, tolerance and the Albanian tradition of respect for others.

"Such actions have nothing to do with freedom of expression or the legitimate right to peaceful protest. They represent hatred, intolerance and incitement to division ," the ministry's response said.

While today Ferit Hoxha speaks of respect, coexistence and rejection of hate speech, his critics recall that the minister himself was the protagonist of statements that were perceived as offensive towards a portion of Albanians outside Albania's borders.

Feri Hoxha's reaction has brought to mind another episode that sparked intense public debate a few months ago. At that time, the minister found himself at the center of criticism after using language considered offensive towards North Macedonian Albanians, calling them "idiots" during a public communication.

The statement was accompanied by strong controversy even in the Albanian space in North Macedonia, forcing the minister to hold explanatory meetings with Albanian political representatives there.

Reaction of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs:
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania strongly condemns the removal and desecration of the flag of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Tirana by masked protesters during last night's protest.
Such actions have nothing to do with freedom of expression, the legitimate right to peaceful protest, or with our democratic values ​​and European standards that we have built and are strengthening every day. They are manifestations of hatred, intolerance and its incitement, and are completely incompatible with the principles of respect and coexistence that Albania has at its foundation and cherishes with devotion.
This shameful act contradicts the long Albanian tradition of hospitality, harmony and respect for others, values ​​that have characterized our society for generations. They represent neither Albania nor the Albanian people. They represent only those who seek to provoke, divide and spread hatred, deliberately abusing and misusing rights and freedoms.
The Ministry reaffirms Albania's unwavering commitment to the protection of diplomatic missions and their symbols, in full compliance with international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We express our solidarity with the Embassy of the State of Israel and emphasize that violence, intimidation and hate speech cannot and will not have a place in a democratic society.

 

Latest news