Socialist MP explains why he confronted protesters: I understand citizens’ anger

Socialist Party MP Adi Qose spoke about his confrontation with protesters during an interview on the programme “Now”, hosted by Erla Mëhilli.

He explained that he reacted after, in his view, the situation escalated into insults directed at several women who work in the Parliament’s administration and have no connection to any political force.

Qose said he understands citizens’ indignation toward politics and politicians, but stressed that this sentiment should not be directed at institution employees who have been carrying out their duties for years.

“It was the first time I had confronted protesters. I made it clear in my statement as well that this was a confrontation I had considered, because as soon as I came out, I saw several protesters who were about 20 metres away from me. What prompted me to intervene was the fact that some of the women working at Parliament, who work at the Parliament of Albania and are not part of any political force, were being insulted with various expressions that undermined their dignity.

That was why I reacted. The protesters were holding phones in their hands and trying to convey what, according to them and the recorded footage, was the truth. However, a considerable portion of the videos are not published in full; only moments intended to show what is allegedly being presented to the public are taken from them.

At first, I stayed there and then spoke with two or three of the protesters who were nearby. The aim was to defend the women of Parliament because, as I explained, they have no political affiliation whatsoever.

They have worked at that institution for years, for their dignity and their families, so they do not owe anyone having to endure various insults. I understand their anger toward politics and politicians, but when that anger crosses the line and is directed at people who are not politically involved, I think it becomes excessive on the part of the protesters. I would say the same when the reaction toward members of the Parliament of Albania goes too far,” he declared.