Ditmir Bushati: Protests Are Building a New Albania, Corruption Remains the Main Obstacle to the EU

Former Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati describes the wave of protests in Albania as a historic moment for democracy and for the country’s European integration process.

In an opinion piece published by EUalive, he notes that the civic movement has brought a new spirit of solidarity, dignity and public awareness.

Bushati stresses that the attention these protests have received in prestigious international media is “the best investment” in Albania’s image and its path toward the European Union.

“The protests in Albania reflect deep concerns that require serious reflection and meaningful action regarding the country’s democratic and development model,” he writes.

According to Bushati, most of the protesters belong to the generation born after the 1990s, which is connected neither to the legacy of communism nor to the prolonged political transition. He says this generation is demanding an Albania with equal opportunities, democratic institutions and European standards.

In his analysis, the former top diplomat describes the protest as a “collective emotional release” that is not led by political parties, but arises from citizens themselves, who oppose the arrogance of power, corruption and the links between politics, oligarchy and organized crime.

He also adds that Albania has never before had such broad international support for a civic movement, emphasizing that foreign media are focusing on Albanians’ demand for functional democracy, meritocracy and the protection of the public interest.

According to Bushati, corruption, politicized institutions and the capture of public assets are the biggest obstacles on the path toward the European Union, while the protests express citizens’ desire to bring European standards closer to the Albanian reality.

Finally, he declares that the spirit of protest has already gone beyond the demonstrations themselves and warns that ignoring this situation will only raise the cost of change.

“Albania has overcome major challenges by standing united. This moment requires more patriotism, responsibility, ethics, ideas, concentration of forces and courage. Albania deserves better,” Bushati concludes.