Rama on the protests in DW: A government does not leave because of momentary dissatisfaction, elections deliver the verdict

Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the protests taking place in the country after being asked whether he himself would have joined them if he were not at the head of the government.

In the interview given to Deutsche Welle, he said that, based on facts and real information, he would not take part in the protest. According to Rama, the removal of a government cannot be demanded because of momentary dissatisfaction.

He stressed that citizens should express their will through the vote when the next elections are held.

Journalist: If Edi Rama were not in the role of Prime Minister, would he have gone out to protest for better hospitals, for the brain drain that has continued for years, for a better system, for a better administration which you yourself accused a few days ago, which you blamed, let us say, as responsible?

Edi Rama: I see no reason to think that I would be out there, if I were relying on facts and truthful information. If, on the contrary, I were relying on all kinds of manipulation, lies and exaggerations, then without question I would be there too. But the facts and real information show something else. As for healthcare, education and all other fields, they have their own problems. These problems did not appear on the day the protest began; they have existed and have been put on the path to resolution, while some of them have been resolved. It is precisely in order to keep moving forward with solving them that we received the mandate of the Albanian people with the largest majority ever since I have led the Socialist Party. For this reason, you cannot wake up one day and say, “I want better healthcare and this government must go.” That is not how it works. One must wait until the next elections come.