Dua Lipa and Lea Ypi on the protests in Albania: Inspiring civic activism, power cannot ignore the people

Recent developments in Albania were part of a discussion between internationally renowned Albanian artist Dua Lipa and writer Lea Ypi. The conversation took place at the Service95 Book Club and focused on Ypi’s autobiographical work, “Free”.

Lea Ypi highlighted the inseparable connection between the country’s past and its present-day reality, stating that Albania’s history cannot be addressed without also speaking about Albania today.

Part of the discussion was devoted to the protests taking place in Albania, the clash between development and environmental preservation, and the need to hold those in power accountable.

According to Dua Lipa and Lea Ypi, the active participation of citizens has the power to influence political change. They also said that people engaged in shaping Albania’s future could become an inspiring model for other movements in the future.

The discussion was part of the promotion of the book “Free”. In this work, Lea Ypi recounts her experience of growing up in Albania during the communist regime and in the period following its fall, weaving this account together with the challenges the country still faces today.

Dua Lipa: When we discuss Albania’s history, we must also look at today’s reality. I believe many of our listeners have become familiar with the protests currently taking place. For me, it is truly inspiring to see how deeply people care. They take to the streets every day after the government made part of a beautiful natural reserve available for a luxury coastal complex. The issue has gained broad international attention because the company investing in the project is partly owned by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. However, what concerns me most is the principle that the government can change the law and remove environmental protections without holding any public consultation. I think you also have much to say about this.

Lea Ypi: Yes, this seems to me to be an interesting example of the invisible cooperation between the economic and political elites. At the same time, it shows that, technically speaking, we have democracy, every citizen has an equal voice, and mechanisms of democratic legitimacy exist. But in reality, we also have an oligarchic elite, international or domestic, that keeps politicians under its control. For me, this protest is one of the most inspiring displays of civic activism I have seen since the fall of communism.

Dua Lipa: I also like the name “Flamingo Revolution”, because I think it carries some beautiful connotations. Determination, in my view, is particularly important. As you are also following, there is a very significant change in the way citizens are protesting and dealing with this situation. It is essential to hold politicians accountable and ask the questions: “Who does this really help?”, “From a broader perspective, whom does it serve?”, “How does it improve our country?” and “How will decisions be made in the future?” I consider this extremely important.

Lea Ypi: For me, this is a truly inspiring case that demonstrates what citizens are capable of and that no government can afford to completely ignore their voice.

Dua Lipa: Yes, it is an interesting issue. I believe change must come from within, through the system itself, in a form that genuinely supports people and guarantees them a real voice.