President Bajram Begaj has reacted again as Tirana has been engulfed by student protests, which have been accompanied by tensions and clashes with the police, while state institutions and businesses have been attacked.
In his reaction, the Head of State says that he is following the protests with concern, while adding that the voice of citizens, especially young people, must be heard, but adds that violence can never be a solution.
Begaj states that Albania belongs to everyone and that in these moments, calm, responsibility and dialogue are needed.
Further, President Begaj appeals to everyone to refrain from acts of violence, while adding that differences should not allow division, but should encourage them to find solutions in the interest of all.
“In these moments, our country needs calm, responsibility and dialogue. There is a need for differences not to divide us, but to encourage us to listen to each other and find solutions in the interest of the citizens and Albania,” the President said.
PRESIDENT BEGAJ’S REACTION:
Dear citizens,
Albania is our common homeland. It is the home of all of us.
I have followed the protests, the demands, but also with regret the acts of violence of the last two days.
The voice of every citizen deserves to be heard, especially the voice of the young, who represent the hope and future of our country. This cannot and should not be disputed by anyone.
But violence is not and can never be the solution. It harms society, undermines the security of citizens, and polarizes democratic coexistence.
In these moments, our country needs calm, responsibility and dialogue. We need differences not to divide us, but to encourage us to listen to each other and find solutions in the interest of the citizens and Albania.
I call on everyone to choose prudence, avoid violence, and not allow tensions to undermine the constitutional order and stability of the country. I encourage the law enforcement agencies in their extremely delicate task and wish a speedy recovery to any injured police officers or protesters.
With the responsibility and duties that the Constitution gives me, I remain open to anyone who wants to have a space for dialogue and understanding, just as I call on the actors involved to commit to dialogue and cooperation, for the good of youth, for the good of Albania.