Former Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati says that civic protests and Albania’s integration into the European Union are processes that can move forward in parallel.
According to him, citizens are opposing the concentration of power in the hands of an individual, corruption, the presence of organized crime in public life, economic inequalities and deep social divisions. Bushati believes that addressing these problems is essential for the country’s progress toward the EU.
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Commenting on the words of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he said that his message represented “a simple truth” which, according to Bushati, invalidates arguments that overlook the fundamental causes of Albania’s crisis.
Ditmir Bushati’s response:
German Chancellor Merz conveyed a simple but meaningful message that undermines a considerable portion of the claims made in the public debate to avoid discussion of the real causes of the crisis facing the country.
I. Protests strengthen the European perspective
Civic demonstrations do not conflict with the EU accession process. On the contrary, they seek to bring about changes in areas where the opening and closing of European negotiating chapters have not yet produced the desired results. These include the extreme personalization of power, the acceptance of corruption and organized crime in public life as normal, economic inequalities and the polarization of society.
These protests cannot be treated solely as an internal Albanian issue. The European integration process has focused precisely on the rule of law, corruption, the oligarchic capture of the state, organized crime and weak institutions. The protesters’ demands for change directly address these issues, while calls for accountability serve as an impetus for Albania’s European journey.
II. Violence cannot bring a solution
The situation cannot be overcome through violence or the brutal use of force by the police. Both acts of violence and the actions of security structures must be subject to an independent judicial investigation. For a candidate country seeking EU membership, guaranteeing the rule of law remains a fundamental principle.
III. Why the Albanian protests differ from those in Europe
Student protests have emerged in parts of Europe, accompanied by a strong sense of gloom. They reflect the state of a continent seeking a new direction while facing an aging population, rising debt and the shrinking of welfare policies due to increased defense spending.
The issue of immigration is increasingly dividing European society. At the same time, the continent is struggling to keep pace with technological developments expected to shape the future. Governments are not offering convincing answers to young people, who feel lost in the face of this situation.
Albania is facing different causes of revolt. Dissatisfaction is linked to a generation raised amid endless scandals, numerous hardships and the same political leaders. This generation was born and shaped while watching the same problems repeat themselves without receiving answers to them. Precisely for this reason, it is seeking to create a new direction for Albania.
