The dialogue that Prime Minister Edi Rama has been calling for with young protesters for weeks appears to have taken a concrete direction. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said that a discussion was held with several representatives who have raised their voices through the protests during the expanded meeting of the National Youth Council. In a reaction on social media, Gonxhja shared details of the meeting, stressing the importance of continuing communication between young people and institutions. According to the minister, the discussion, which lasted about two and a half hours, focused on issues that concern young people, such as protests, meritocracy, employment and opportunities for their involvement in decision-making.
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Two and a half hours of open, sincere dialogue, without pretense, with young people!
A very healthy meeting, with difficult questions and critical positions, but above all with well-articulated, informed young people with independent opinions, who openly expressed the concerns, dissatisfaction and problems that, in their view, fuel distrust toward institutions. We talked about protests, meritocracy, employment, opportunities for young people and our responsibilities to respond to these concerns.
Listening does not mean giving up one’s convictions, just as opposing does not mean being an adversary. Dialogue requires humility to listen, dignity to respond and maturity to reflect.
The meeting, at the expanded session of the National Youth Council, together with the National Youth Agency, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with the constructive voices of the protest, was a valuable start to a dialogue that must continue, with mutual respect, reflection and concrete responsibility.