Albania: Gozi condemns violence and urges Prime Minister Rama to engage in genuine dialogue with citizens

Following the latest clashes in Tirana, Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party, strongly condemned the violence and called on Prime Minister Edi Rama to assume his political responsibilities and address the escalating tensions through genuine dialogue.

“Violence is unacceptable, regardless of who perpetrates it. Any disproportionate use of force by the police must be investigated, as must the reported attacks against journalists and attempts to obstruct their work. The deeply disturbing videos now circulating online, apparently showing acts of extreme brutality against demonstrators, are of the utmost gravity. They demand an immediate and independent investigation. The right to peaceful protest and freedom of the press are fundamental pillars of democracy and must be protected without exception.

For more than three months, Albanian citizens have been raising legitimate concerns and demanding clear answers from their government and Parliament. Yet, instead of engaging with these demands, Prime Minister Rama has chosen arrogance over dialogue, dismissing legitimate grievances with allegations of foreign interference and disinformation.

We have repeatedly warned that ignoring citizens and disregarding their concerns would only deepen frustration and fuel tensions. The latest clashes demonstrate the consequences of this refusal to engage. But there must be no ambiguity: frustration can never justify violence, just as maintaining public order can never excuse excessive force.

Prime Minister Rama must set aside his arrogance, abandon the politics of dismissal and start listening to the citizens he has a duty to represent. Albania’s European future cannot be built on confrontation or the erosion of democratic trust. It requires dialogue, accountability, respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law.

These are not simply European expectations. They are the democratic commitments Albania must uphold on its path towards EU membership.”