Prime Minister Edi Rama has raised concern over the escalation of violence during protests, calling for an approach that involves state institutions, civil society and international partners. During a meeting of the National Council for the Rights and Protection of Children, Rama focused on the way, in his view, a part of society is treating the phenomenon of violence, which he considers unacceptable for a democratic society.
“We have witnessed a disturbing panorama of the approach of a part of society toward a taboo for all democracies, for all paths of coexistence in democracy, which is violence”, the head of government said. He criticized what he described as the relativization and justification of violent acts, noting that in public discourse, in his view, responsibility is being shifted from the perpetrators of violence toward the State Police.
“We have seen how violence has been relativized, justified and glorified”, Rama stated. The prime minister accused a part of the media and public opinion of giving legitimacy to individuals who have used violence against institutions, schools and public and private property. According to him, this approach creates a mistaken perception of the protests and undermines citizens’ right to education, freedom and coexistence.
Starting next year, children will stay in school until 5:00 p.m., Prime Minister Edi Rama announced. This will help working parents, while children will engage in cultural and sports activities that also support their socialization. “The next task is the work that must be done together between us and civil society to expand the range of children’s social activities, from sports to culture, among which are all the parts related to the stage, painting, crafts, photography and so on. Extending children’s stay at school will begin immediately next year. We have decided on a budget so that parents can work and children will be in school until 5 p.m.”, Rama said.