After Brussels, the EU Ambassador to Tirana, Luigi Socreca, also reacted regarding the decision of the Albanian opposition to boycott the Parliament and renounce their electoral seats. Soreca said that this doesn’t take the country towards the right direction. On the contrary, it goes against the citizens’ interest. The EU wants the majority and the opposition to dialogue and reduce the tension. Soreca was interviewed by Top Channel’s journalist, Muhamed Veliu.
TCH: The EU delegation made a very critical declaration regarding the violent acts that we saw during this Saturday’s protest. Are you concerned that your appeal could fall in deaf ears?
EU Ambassador, Luigi Soreca: It is a basic right of the Albanian citizens to engage in peaceful demonstrations. It is a basic value of a mature democracy and it should be granted. Thousands of people gathered in Tirana to express their views. It was an excellent display of citizens. This is why this Saturday was a great opportunity for the opposition to give a strong political message. But what we saw was dozens of protesters who unfortunately used violence and caused damage to the public property. This is clearly unacceptable and a lost chance.
TCH: What is your opinion regarding the behavior of the State Police during the protest. Do you think that the usage of tear gas was justified?
Luigi Soreca: The fact that major incidents were avoided is appreciated, and I think that this happened also thanks to the Albanian Police, which used proportional force to stop the violent protesters, without causing incidents and without further escalating the situation.
TCH: The opposition decided to renounce their seats in Parliament, which means that there will be no opposition. How concerning is this development for Albania?
Luigi Soreca: The Parliament is the base of every European democracy. It is the place where politicians must discuss debates on reforms and respective developments. The Parliament should not be boycotted. We heard the opposition parties saying that individual MPs would renounce their current mandates. Every MP has the right to decide what will happen with the responsibility they have taken in front of their voters, in order to defend their positions in Parliament. This is their basic right. It is clear, however, that the renouncement is counterproductive for Albania, and goes against the citizens’ interests. 93% of the Albanian people want to join the EU, which means that there are voters from all sides of the Parliament. The country is very committed to continue the reforms. Next June, the progress that has been done so far with the reforms will be evaluated. First of all, the Judiciary Reform, which is the core of the entire revival of the Albanian society. This is what the opposition’s and majority’s efforts should be focused on: establishing all of the Judiciary Reform institutions, especially the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and the National Bureau of Investigation. This important objective must be leading the minds of all political parties. Boycotting the Parliament doesn’t take you towards this direction. We invite the government and the opposition to engage in constructive dialogue, with the purpose to overcome the current political situation and make sure that the country continues its path of reforms. There is no time to lose. The time is now.
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