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Former minister analyzes protests: Protests against arrogance and the politics-crime alliance

Politiko 2026-07-06 12:33:24

Former minister analyzes protests: Protests against arrogance and the

Former Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati has reacted with a lengthy analysis regarding the protests taking place in Tirana and other cities in the country, emphasizing that they reflect an important social and political moment in Albania.

According to Bushati, the protests are not only related to dissatisfaction with the government led by Edi Rama, but also to deeper problems such as corruption, the links between politics and crime, and the lack of meritocracy in the country.

He states that participation in the protests shows a "civic awakening" and a sense of solidarity among citizens, especially the younger generation that is not connected to previous periods of transition.

Bushati also emphasizes that Albania is experiencing a "social catharsis," where citizens are demanding change and a fairer development model, based on European standards and stronger democratic institutions.

“The protests in Albania reflect deep concerns that require serious reflection and meaningful action for the country’s democratic and developmental model… during these weeks Albania is experiencing a collective emotional liberation that is not mediated by parties, leaders or institutions. People are not only protesting against arrogance, excessive personalization of power and the harmful alliance between politics, oligarchy, organized crime and the media. They are experiencing a sense of solidarity, dignity and awareness of the public interest.

One of the most important products of this protest, however diverse it may be, is social catharsis. Along with it, a new basis is being created for a more credible democratic exercise, one that can transform the energy of the squares into political reality.

Third, Albania has never had so much international sympathy. During the war in Kosovo, the attention paid to our country was mainly related to the generosity of Albanians in sheltering their sisters and brothers from Kosovo. Today, this attention is for something completely different: the fact that citizens are seeking to break away from a political and economic model that has stifled competition and meritocracy. A model that has been built at the expense of past and future generations: the former by eating up their contribution, the latter by destroying their heritage.

Fourth, the daily coverage of the protests in Albania by the most prestigious international media, focusing on the real causes of civic anger and mobilizing our diaspora like never before, is the best investment for our image as a people and for our path towards the European Union.

"Our path to the EU has been hindered by the very wounds against which we are protesting today: widespread corruption, organized crime, politicized institutions, and the oligarchic seizure of public assets. What is happening today is the most powerful counter-evidence that has ever existed. Albanians are demanding the implementation of European standards," Bushati writes.