Protests, the Ombudsman: Our duty is to identify cases when citizens’ rights are violated

Ombudsman Endri Shabani was in Vlora on Friday, where he presented the Ombudsman’s Annual Report for 2025. In remarks to the media, he explained that the institution’s presence in the city is aimed at hearing the concerns and requests of residents.

According to Shabani, most of the issues raised in Vlora are related to property and the way it is administered. He said citizens’ complaints mainly concern the Cadastre and stressed that the Ombudsman will verify every case related to abuse of office, property misappropriation, and the claims submitted by citizens.

Shabani recalled that the Ombudsman’s role is to protect citizens’ rights and serve as a mediator in resolving their complaints and requests.

Asked by journalists, he said the Ombudsman cannot take a position on the protesters’ demands. According to him, the institution’s duty is to identify cases where citizens’ rights are infringed or where institutions, including the State Police, fail to properly fulfill their responsibilities.

Regarding negative comments left on the profiles of businesses in the country, Endri Shabani said he does not have sufficient information, but if citizens’ right to free expression is affected, an investigation will be opened into the case and there will be an official response.

The Ombudsman’s 2025 report was presented in Vlora in the presence of the highest representatives of local government, as well as citizens.