Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia has reacted to the protests held in recent days, condemning acts of violence and the damage caused to state institutions, State Police officers and private property.
In an interview with Klan News, Qefalia said that footage of protesters and police officers being injured is disturbing, while stressing that violence cannot be a way to achieve political change. “It is regrettable, because we are a consolidated democracy. Power is not changed through violence”, he stated.
Commenting on the situation created during the gatherings, the deputy minister described as unacceptable the damage to public institutions, including courts and ministries, as well as attacks against police officers or private property. “The courthouse cannot be damaged, the ministry cannot be damaged, private property cannot be damaged, police cannot be harmed, because at the end of the day we are all Albanians”, Qefalia said.
Regarding political developments and the European integration process, he guaranteed that the majority is continuing its work to fulfill the obligations linked to Albania’s membership in the European Union. According to him, the continuation of the negotiation process and the closing of chapters are indicators of the government’s commitment to moving forward toward integration. “We continue to govern at the same pace by adopting and closing chapters toward the EU, and this shows that this majority is on the right path”, the deputy minister concluded.
