Socialist Party MP Ardit Bido has separated two distinct issues: the right to protest and the acts of violence that accompanied the recent rallies in Tirana. In his view, the government must not ignore citizens’ dissatisfaction, but should listen to their demands and take concrete measures in response. In this context, Bido described the 2027 budget as a step in the right direction, arguing that it provides for a fairer distribution of income and a more social approach.
“One thing is reflecting on the protest as a democratic right, and the government’s obligation to listen to and reflect on the protest,” Bido stated. On the other hand, he focused on the violent episodes, describing them as unacceptable and stressing that they do not represent citizens who have chosen to protest peacefully. Bido said the scale of the violence on the second day of the protest was unusual for Tirana and, according to him, such events had not been seen even during 1997.
He also rejected the idea that students were responsible for the acts of violence, claiming they were carried out by individuals organized by the Democratic Party and other opposition forces. “Students did not choose to commit violence. Some figures organized by the PD and some small parties chose to commit violence,” the MP said.
In conclusion, Bido stressed that violence should not be confused with democratic protest, since, in his words, citizens have the right to object and demand change, while institutions have the responsibility to respond to these demands.