Himara fire/Fredi Beleri: The state does not guarantee even basic things; how can it expect citizens to remain passive?

Former Himara mayor Fredi Beleri has reacted to the fire that engulfed the Himara area last night, with the flames scorching a considerable area and spreading to the eastern part of the city. In a post on social media, Beleri said the fire caused extensive damage to properties and homes, but fortunately there were no casualties.

Beleri described wildfires as an increasingly serious threat in Europe and around the world, expressing concern that Albania was not sufficiently prepared to deal with such a situation. He also stressed that a state that does not guarantee even the most basic necessities cannot ask its citizens to remain passive.

In his response, Beleri called on the people of Himara to look after their land and properties, while also seeking their recognition and final registration. At the end of his statement, he expressed solidarity with residents who have lost their properties, as well as with everyone who faced the flames.

Fredi Beleri’s response:

Last night, the flames surrounded an entire area of Himara and spread across a large part of the eastern side of the city. Properties and homes suffered extensive damage. Fortunately, no lives were lost. Fires in Europe and, generally, around the world have now become a constant threat. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened here as well. While we should have taken the necessary measures and been prepared, the outcome showed that we were not.

However, in our country we also face another difficulty: the state and local authorities do not allow us to fence off, clean and look after our properties. This is unacceptable, 36 years after the fall of the communist regime. A state that does not guarantee even the most basic necessities — uninterrupted water and electricity supplies, prevention, adequate firefighting equipment and protection from natural disasters — cannot ask its citizens to remain passive.

We, the people of Himara, must look after the land of our ancestors, clean and protect our properties, while simultaneously seeking their recognition and final registration. After this catastrophe, no one has the right to prevent people from protecting their land and properties. Our thoughts are with our fellow citizens who saw their properties destroyed, but also with everyone who fought the flames and managed to limit the damage. In the coming days, we will undertake concrete initiatives to provide financial support and genuine relief to the affected residents.