Prime Minister Edi Rama gave a television interview from Tirana to the British broadcaster Channel 4, where he was also questioned about the ongoing protests. In response, Rama said he has reflected on the demonstrations and understands the protesters.
“I have reflected a great deal on these protests and have come to the conclusion that, for people, it is not about the facts – and rightly so – but about the higher expectations that bring them out into the streets. That is not a bad thing. It is wonderful. That is why I said it is fantastic. So, I understand them,” Rama said.
Journalist: The protesters have been demonstrating for nearly 60 days. How do you feel when they are outside your office night after night?
Edi Rama: It is something wonderful for the country and for society because, on this very boulevard, not so long ago – about 15 years ago – people were killed with live bullets while peacefully protesting. For me, the June protests, not the current ones, were both confirmation that the country has reached a different level and, at the same time, a very clear mirror showing what we need to reflect on.
Journalist: Have you reconsidered any of your policies as a result of these protests?
Edi Rama: Which policies?
Journalist: The policies related to the development project in Sazan and Zvërnec, where all of this began, due to concerns over the threat to flamingo habitats and other ecosystems there.
Edi Rama: No. No project has begun.
Journalist: I have seen it.
Edi Rama: No.
Journalist: Then what did I see? Should I not trust my own eyes?
Rama responded by saying that no project has begun in the Sazan area and that there is no agreement in place for its development.
Edi Rama: I will tell you what you saw, but no project has begun. And as for Sazan, which you included in your question, there is neither a project nor an agreement there. Bringing Sazan into this discussion is completely unnecessary because we still have nothing in Sazan.
The post Rama to Channel 4: I Have Reflected on the Protests and I Understand the Protesters appeared first on Euronews Albania.
