Marjana Koçeku, an independent MP and former member of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, gave an interview to the British media outlet Britannia Daily, where she spoke about the reasons for her departure from the majority, the civic protests and the political crisis in Albania.
In one of the strongest statements since breaking away from the SP, Koçek states that Edi Rama’s government is no longer able to bring the change that Albanians are seeking, while he describes the protests as an expression of citizens’ loss of trust in institutions and politics.
One of the youngest members of parliament, Koçeku says her decision to leave the Socialist Party came after disappointment with the way the government functions and the lack of accountability. She emphasizes that the mass protests only reinforced the conviction that Albania needs a new political culture and a new generation of leaders.
In the interview with Britannia Daily, Koçek states that parliament, in many cases, does not function as an institution where decisions are debated and reviewed, but as a mechanism that automatically approves party positions.
“One of the fundamental responsibilities of an MP is to exercise independent judgment on behalf of the citizens who elected them. However, in practice, party discipline often takes precedence over the public interest,” she states.
“The protests reinforced my decision”
Koçek emphasizes that the protests were not the main reason for her departure from the Socialist Party, but they convinced her even more that she had made the right decision.
“The protests have been among the most inspiring civic movements I have seen, not only in Albania, but also in Europe in recent years. When tens of thousands of citizens come out peacefully to demand accountability and democratic change, elected representatives have an obligation to listen to them.”
According to her, the protesters’ concerns about corruption, lack of transparency, environmental protection, and the rising cost of living are the same reasons that led her to question the direction the country is heading.
“I see this movement as a sign of hope and not despair. It shows that citizens have not given up on democracy, but demand that it work.”
“It’s only a matter of time”
In another politically significant statement, Koçek states that even within the majority there are MPs and officials who no longer feel comfortable with the current direction of government.
“From my conversations and observations, I believe there is a growing unease within the political establishment. Not everyone is comfortable with the current direction, although many are hesitant to say so publicly.”
She adds that it is “only a matter of time” until more politicians speak out and act on their beliefs.
“This government can’t do it”
Koçek argues that Albania does not just need political rotation, but a complete transformation of the culture of governance.
“What Albania needs is not simply the change of individuals, but the renewal of the entire political culture. Sustainable change cannot come if the same practices and the same mentality remain.”
Message to protesters
At the end of the interview, the independent MP addressed a message to the citizens who participated in the protests.
“Your voices matter and you should never believe that peaceful civic engagement is futile. You are not alone. You now have another mandate in Parliament.”
Koçek reveals that after leaving the Socialist Party, she has received thousands of messages of support from citizens at home and abroad, who, according to her, see in this decision a hope that Albanian politics can still be guided by principles and not by party interests.