Hafiz Shala sets out his position after the protest: temporary body, popular referendum and closer Albania-Kosovo ties

Commentator Hafiz Shala said that the protest in Tirana should also be supported by Albanians from Dardania, North Macedonia and the diaspora because, according to him, it is directly linked to the Albanian national interest.

He stressed that participation in this gathering is important for protecting national interests, while underlining that any cooperation with external actors that, in his view, harms Albanian interests should be treated with particular caution.

According to Shala, responsibility for political developments should also be analyzed critically, with regional and international circumstances in mind.

“On the question of whether Albanians from Dardania and Macedonia should take part?

Yes, because this is an issue connected to the Albanian national interest.

In the face of this figure, who for a long time has been accused by critics of cooperating with Belgrade against the Republic of Dardania and broader Albanian interests, Albanians from all Albanian lands and the diaspora should be present in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana. If anyone has doubts, the question arises: would Albanians hesitate to come out in defense of the mother state if it were attacked? I believe not, because they have always shown themselves ready to defend Dardania.

Therefore, in this context, some consider it necessary that any cooperation with external actors that damage the Albanian national interest be analyzed carefully. According to this approach, responsibility for political developments should be viewed critically, bearing in mind regional and international relations.

One suggestion: it would not be desirable for individuals with political ambitions to present themselves as leaders of a state crisis or of a nationwide movement, if the aim is to block programs perceived as harmful to Albanian interests in the region. In this framework, political debate is often linked to the main figures of power and their responsibility in relation to developments in the region,” he said.

Continuing his statement to “Bota sot,” Shala said that, from his point of view, the outcome of such a civic movement should lead to the establishment of a temporary body that would administer the country until regular democratic elections are held.

He also spoke about the possibility of holding a nationwide referendum on issues he considers of historical importance for Albania and for Albanians in the region.

“The epilogue of such a historic youth movement in the heart of the nation, in Albania, according to this idea, should be determined by a temporary body proposed by the people, until regular democratic elections arising from local communities. Also, the idea of a nationwide referendum could be considered, one that would take historical responsibility for important decisions in Albania and across the entire Albanian space.

Likewise, strengthening cooperation between Albania and Kosovo is seen as a historic possibility, with the aim of deeper institutional integration, even in the form of a confederation in the future, as a step toward realizing the historical aspirations of Albanians. This would also require the persuasion and support of international partners, arguing that the division of Albanians into several states is the result of historical injustices and should be addressed in a fair and balanced way in the context of European values and the history of the region.

Message: do not stop,” he concluded for “Bota sot.”