The Archbishop of Shkodra, Giovanni Peragine, has reacted to the protests taking place in the country, calling on the authorities to listen to citizens and take concrete decisions to respond to their dissatisfaction. In his message on the eve of the feast of the Our Lady of Shkodra, Peragine stressed that peaceful protests reflect a deep social discontent that cannot be ignored.
“The responsibility of the authorities is not measured by statements, but by concrete decisions”, he said, adding that the government must act without delay and take even difficult decisions when the good of the country requires it. The Archbishop also condemned violence, but stressed that institutions have an obligation to open the way for dialogue and address the causes of citizens’ dissatisfaction.
He emphasized that so far we have noticed that only a few benefit, while the majority face serious problems of living.
In his message, Peragine also turned to the city of Shkodra, stressing that it belongs to all citizens, not only to institutions or residents of the center. “Shkodra belongs to all its citizens and must not be the property of anyone”, he declared. According to the Archbishop, the city’s development requires shared responsibility, solidarity and commitment from every citizen, since a more just society is built through respect and daily cooperation.