For more than 40 days, Albania has been experiencing a wave of unrest known as the “Flamingo Revolution.” According to the Dutch newspaper “de Volkskrant,” tens of thousands of people have taken part in these demonstrations, while the largest number of citizens gathered in the square reached 250,000.
The foreign media conducted an interview with the now independent MP Marjana Koçeku, who has joined the support for the protests after leaving the Socialist parliamentary group immediately after the outbreak of the civic revolt.
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Reasons for distancing from the party
Koçeku explains that the decision to break away was the culmination of accumulated dissatisfaction. Engaged since youth as an activist, she entered politics with the hope of bringing change in key areas like environment and sustainable tourism. However, her critical voice was ignored by the leaders of the political force. “The issues that touch me deeply, like the pollution of the Drin River in my area, were completely neglected. After the outbreak of serious environmental scandals, I realized I was supporting policies that actually destroy nature. That was my moral limit,” she said.
An unexpected invitation and hope for change
She recounts that the Prime Minister contacted her after a podcast where she denounced the problems of her region: garbage, lack of roads and quality electricity. “I have never aspired to become a politician. I have always been an opponent of power. When I became part of the SP, people around me were against it, but I saw it as a moral duty, especially for a young girl from an isolated and patriarchal area where political representation seemed impossible,” Koçeku added. She thought that with the entry of many young people into parliament that year, the moment for real change had come.
Protests will assume larger proportions
Asked about the future of the revolt, the MP predicts its growth. According to her, the political elite has completely lost touch with reality and does not understand what citizens experience on a daily basis. “The protesters are rightfully demanding change. These demonstrations focus on the rule of law, genuine democracy and the refusal of the plundering of the country. We will not retreat from our ideals,” she declared.
More than one person’s resignation is needed
For Koçeku, the solution requires more than Rama’s removal. According to her, the current electoral law protects a rotten order that serves only the interests of a minority. She underlines the necessity of parliamentary representation based on competence and not blind loyalty to the leader. Likewise, she stresses that new parties must be given a real chance and expresses respect for the few critical forces that have recently entered the Assembly supporting the protests. “More political diversity makes democracy healthier and more authentic. But the big change must come from below, from citizens and the diaspora, who are showing a much stronger engagement than the elite,” she continued.
The warning received from Rama
Regarding a warning mentioned in the open letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Koçeku briefly states that he had sent her a message saying she would be left alone, without the trust of the people or her supporters in the mountains. “My answer was simple: I am used to standing alone. Now what matters is that I have closed the door behind me and I am free. Fortunately, my mother does not use social media and does not see the political aggression that has spread after my departure,” she said.
Call for a more critical approach from the EU
After a trip to Brussels to meet with members of the European Parliament, Koçeku stresses that Europe must be much more critical of the Albanian government. According to her, the accession process cannot be reduced to a geopolitical strategy or a bureaucratic formality. “The EU only speaks with the Prime Minister and the elite, but it must also dialogue with the people and civil society. About 92 percent of Albanians are pro-European, but this does not mean they support the current government,” she argued.
Political future
In closing, when asked if she is being talked about as the future leader of Albania, Koçeku replied that her ambition is greater than ever, but for the moment she considers it more important to serve the country as an independent MP. “Time will tell who will survive. But one thing is certain: this is not the end,” she concluded.
