Immediately after concluding his meeting with ministers in Pogradec, Prime Minister Edi Rama held a live video broadcast on social media while traveling back to Tirana, where he explained the content and main points of the discussions.
Rama described the protests held in Tirana as a “gift,” saying that Albania has lacked an opposition and that the protest represented a civic voice highlighting the need for improvements in governance.
According to Rama, both citizens and the government will emerge stronger from the situation, as it has served as an impetus for a new approach by the government.
“For me, the protest was a gift because Albania has not had an opposition. One of the merits of that protest was that it allowed us to hear a civic voice saying that today we deserve more. The protest that took place genuinely challenged us, for as long as it remained civic in nature. People came together because they felt the need to unite their voices and say that we deserve more. I am confident and optimistic. I feel very energized. Do not forget that Albania has never been in a better position, has never been more highly regarded internationally, and has never had greater support and real opportunities to do more. There is a reason for that. Albania has not been a country for sale or a country that has been sold out, because no such country could be respected internationally, expand opportunities for its people, and grow every day. We have made every effort and will continue to do so,” Rama said.
The Prime Minister said the meeting included discussions on the Socialist Party’s new approach to the country’s territory, while emphasizing that housing will be one of the government’s most important programs.
Referring to the “Besa” document, which he described as an already consolidated concept in the relationship between the state and citizens, Rama said that “Besa” represents trust, empathy, service, and commitment.
In this context, Rama spoke about “Pasqyrë Albania,” which he described as the new technological foundation for the relationship between citizens and the state. According to him, citizens will be able to receive real-time information about the work of institutions and the status of their requests.
“We envision a citizen’s concern or request as a letter, as a package whose status can be tracked in real time and which also carries responsibilities and deadlines,” Rama said.
The Prime Minister stressed that the platform will also make it possible to track public projects. He cited roads as an example, saying citizens will be able to see who is carrying out the work, why projects may be delayed, and what stage they have reached.
Finally, Rama said the meeting also focused on a range of programs affecting different sectors, including healthcare and education, as well as a plan to increase transparency regarding the prices of basic food products.
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