The 23rd protest calling for Rama’s removal / Socialist MPs Lindita Nikolla and Evis Kushi react for the first time

Two Socialist Party MPs, Lindita Nikolla and Evis Kushi, reacted just a few hours after thousands of protesters from Albania and the diaspora gathered in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, demanding the departure of Edi Rama. The two MPs chose to react at almost the same time, as citizens have been expressing their dissatisfaction for 23 consecutive days.

In a social media post, Nikolla wrote that in a democracy, protest is a constitutional right, but it cannot be turned into a justification for insults, bullying, public lynching or attacks against anyone who thinks differently. She said that the moment argument is replaced by hatred, debate is lost and society itself is weakened.

LINDITA NIKOLLA:

I am following with concern the rise of hate speech in the media and on social networks. In a democracy, protest is a constitutional right, but it cannot be turned into a justification for insults, bullying, public lynching or attacks against anyone who thinks differently. Criticism is necessary and opposition is legitimate. But when argument is replaced by hatred, debate is lost and society itself is weakened. Democracy is measured not only by the freedom to speak, but also by the way we choose to use that freedom. Let us show that we can disagree with one another without losing respect, civility and the dignity of words.

Meanwhile, Kushi wrote that during this period she has been seeing a great deal of hate speech in the media and on social networks, directed at public figures toward one another, MPs, political opponents and anyone who thinks differently from the protest. She said that criticism is necessary and opposition may be legitimate, but dehumanizing an opponent is neither democracy nor patriotism.

EVIS KUSHI:

During this period, I have been watching with great concern as each day brings more and more hate speech in the media and on social networks, among public figures toward one another, against MPs, political opponents and in general anyone who thinks differently.

No one questions that protest is a constitutional right and an important instrument of democracy. And we must acknowledge that at last we have reached the day when no one is afraid to exercise this right. But it is just as important to understand that protest cannot be turned into an alibi that justifies all insults, curses, public lynchings, bullying and hate speech against anyone who does not agree with the protesters, who judges differently and acts differently. When political debate is replaced by hatred, then not only is democracy lost, but society itself is also weakened.

Today we need more responsibility from every individual, from politicians, media representatives and activists to the ordinary citizen who comments on social networks without hesitation, at times with applause and at times with curses. Criticism is necessary, opposition may be legitimate, but dehumanizing an opponent is neither democracy nor patriotism. We must not accept the political climate being poisoned to the point where insult is considered an argument and hatred is presented as courage. Albania deserves a more civilized political and social culture, where people are judged for their actions and positions, but not attacked in order to be humiliated.

Anyone who feels the need should protest, and should also demand accountability from those in power. But this must be done while preserving respect for one another and maintaining the basic norms of human communication. Because democracy is measured not only by the freedom to speak, but also by the way we choose to use that freedom. Albania needs more argument and dialogue, but far less hatred, insults and division. Let us show that we can be responsible citizens even when we disagree with one another. Because respect for differing opinions is a sign of strength, not weakness. And democracy is protected and strengthened every day not only by raising one’s voice, but above all by preserving the dignity of words.