Dugolli responds to Rama: Speak to the citizens at the protest, not to Vetëvendosje

Enver Dugolli, a member of the General Council of the Vetëvendosje Movement, clarified that this party is not supporting, as a political subject, the protest that has been taking place in Albania for 23 consecutive days. According to him, support is being given only individually by some of its activists.

He confirmed that he himself is personally among those who support the anti-government revolt being held in Tirana.

Dugolli: Vetëvendosje has nothing to do with the protest in Albania

“Vetëvendosje has nothing to do with this protest. It is simply that some of us, some activists or some people, exponents, are showing solidarity with the citizens’ legitimate demands, their legitimate concerns, and that is all. So there is no question that Vetëvendosje from Kosovo or from any branch elsewhere has any special role in this protest,” Dugolli said.

Speaking about comments by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Dugolli called on him to stop involving Vetëvendosje as a party in this protest.

Dugolli: The language used by Rama about Vetëvendosje does not do him any honor either

“The language used by Mr. Rama about Vetëvendosje, I think, does not do him any honor either. Simply, once again I repeat, he should be communicating with the outraged citizens of Albania, of Tirana, of all the cities and of the diaspora. He should be communicating with them and giving an account, and also reflecting on their demands. There is no need for Vetëvendosje to be dragged into this, or for any example of Vetëvendosje or any statement by any Vetëvendosje official to be used, because, as I said, everything has to do with solidarity by Vetëvendosje officials or officials of any political subject with the demands emerging from this protest, that revolt of the citizens,” he said.

According to Dugolli, Rama should deal with the concerns of the citizens protesting against him, and not with Vetëvendosje.

Dugolli: Rama should be communicating with the protesters

“Prime Minister Rama should be communicating with the protesters, those who for several consecutive days have been filling Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, the streets of Tirana, and Vetëvendosje has absolutely nothing to do with this protest. It is simply Albanian citizens, the citizens of Albania, and the diaspora in particular, expressing revolt against the current political class. Therefore, he should be communicating with them and reflecting on their demands,” he said.

In one of his latest reactions to the protests, Rama also mentioned members and supporters of the Vetëvendosje Movement, saying that some of them have become involved in what he called a “devils’ stew.” However, he excluded Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti from this issue.

“I cannot and would not, under any circumstances, hold Albin Kurti responsible for any of the ruffians of Vetëvendosje who have become involved in this devils’ stew,” Rama wrote.

Rama has also expressed harsh criticism toward all protest participants coming from Kosovo and North Macedonia, since, according to him, they do not constitute Albania’s diaspora.