Protest against Rama, the Council of Albanian Ambassadors reacts: We condemn the arrogant approach towards citizens

The Council of Albanian Ambassadors (KASH) has issued a public statement in support of the protest against Prime Minister Rama, which has been taking place for 12 days in Tirana.

In its response, MTEF supports the right of citizens to protest peacefully, emphasizing that their voices must be heard by state institutions through dialogue and transparency.

The Council of Albanian Ambassadors believes that the recent protests represent legitimate and important messages, related to the protection of national interests, public assets, the environment and the country's natural heritage. According to the Council of Albanian Ambassadors, these citizen reactions should be treated with institutional attention and not with a dismissive approach.

KASH expresses concern about the way some of the protesters' demands have been handled, condemning any arrogant or dismissive approach to citizen concerns. It is emphasized that in a functional democracy, listening to citizens, public consultation and accountability are essential elements of decision-making.

DECLARATION:

The Council of Albanian Ambassadors (CASA) expresses its support for the fundamental and democratic right of Albanian citizens to peacefully protest in defense of national interests, public assets, the environment and the country's natural heritage. The recent protests convey clear and legitimate messages, which deserve attention, dialogue and transparency from state institutions.

Only in this way can Albania fulfill the obligations arising from the European Union accession process, guaranteeing respect for private property and the legitimate rights of citizens, promoting a development model in cooperation and in service to the community, as well as opposing and preventing any corruptive attempts that undermine the integrity of these processes and public trust in institutions.

The MTEF assesses that these protests are not only related to the specific issue that prompted them. They also reflect deeper concerns, accumulated over the years in public opinion, related to the perception of widespread corruption, impunity and, in some cases, the political protection offered to individuals involved in various affairs of public interest. These perceptions have damaged citizens' trust in institutions and require serious reflection by all political and institutional actors.

The Council expresses concern about the way some of the protesters' demands have been handled and condemns any arrogant or dismissive approach to citizens' concerns. In a democratic society, listening to citizens' voices, public consultation and accountability are an integral part of responsible decision-making.

MTEF supports strategic foreign investments that bring economic development, jobs and modernization to Albania. However, any such investment must be based on full transparency, strict respect for the law, environmental protection and guaranteeing the national interest.

Especially when it comes to areas of strategic, coastal or ecological importance, it is essential that decision-making processes are transparent, consulted with the public and affected communities, and accompanied by clear guarantees for the protection of sovereignty, public property and national assets.

MTEF calls on state institutions, investors, local communities and civil society to engage in an open and constructive dialogue, in order to promote sustainable development, strengthen the rule of law and protect the long-term interests of Albania.