The European Union’s Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, has reacted to recent events in the country, stressing that violence during protests is unacceptable, but also the necessity for institutions to have the proper capacity to listen to and address citizens’ grievances.
In a statement to the media, the ambassador said that violent protests have no place in democracy, while emphasizing that citizens should address their concerns through democratic institutions.
Sofia Moreira de Sousa said:
“In Albania and in several countries in Europe we are seeing violent protests. This cannot happen in a democracy and must not happen in countries where we defend democracy. There should be no violence on the streets. Citizens’ grievances should be addressed in democratic institutions.
On the other hand, institutions must have the proper capacity to show that they can address citizens’ grievances. So, this is a big task that politicians and civil servants must undertake to strengthen the capacity of institutions to address these grievances. We do not see this in the violence that is escalating.
We must engage with young people, civil society and every citizen to explain the rules of the game in democracy. These rules are not about destroying public and private property, but about strengthening the laws and rules that enable grievances to be addressed. There are certain places where people must fight for what they believe in, and these places are institutions”.
Antonio Mazzeo, co-chair of the CoR-Albania Joint Consultative Committee, also commented on the situation in the country in recent days, describing the violence as unacceptable.
In his remarks, Mazzeo also touched on other important issues, such as territorial reform and the pre-trial detention of the Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj.
“The report of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe addresses several issues, such as the prolonged practice of pre-trial detention for mayors, also referring to observations of the Venice Commission.
We, as representatives of local self-government, are following very closely what is happening with the Mayor of Tirana, repeating the importance of a fair process and the independence of the judiciary”, Mazzeo said.