TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – The “Speak with the Prime Minister” platform is a new social space for direct communication with Prime Minister Edi Rama, open to students and any other citizen who wishes to engage in dialogue.
Rama describes this as a space for dialogue—accessible via anyone’s phone or computer—for those who wish to offer criticism, raise a concern, or put forward a proposal.
The creation of this platform stems from the need for dialogue, which was brought to the fore by the student protests.
“Every protest has a specific reason for starting, but it also carries a broader context that extends beyond the slogans on the placards. Furthermore, a protest is not merely an expression of concern, dissatisfaction, or anger; it is an integral part of democratic coexistence, where citizens are free to express themselves and have the right to be heard,” Rama stated via the platform.
The prime minister emphasized that in free societies, the right to protest is undeniable—a right protected by the state, even when the protest is directed against the government, the Parliament, or the judiciary. On the other hand, he added that violence against institutions, as well as threats and vandalism directed at public or private property, constitute crimes.
Therefore, Rama stated that rejecting and distancing oneself from violence is the flip side of freedom and the right to protest.
“For me—belonging to a generation that won the freedom of thought and political pluralism through peaceful protests—it has always been clear: a protest is a knock at the door of those in power; the authorities must listen to every protest and always be prepared for dialogue,” he added.
According to the prime minister, “Often, when a protest is not a political demonstration for the opposition base, but rather a civic expression of concerns, the protesters seek dialogue—yet governments hesitate to sit down with them.”
“But sometimes, the opposite occurs. Today, there are students who wish to speak, ask questions, voice opposition, seek explanations or propose solutions; however, they do not feel free to do so publicly, due to constant intimidation by those who oppose dialogue,” the prime minister added.
“A simple way to communicate directly with me—initially intended for students, but open to anyone who wishes to ask a question, offer criticism, raise a concern, or put forward a proposal. Without the need to go public with one’s full name. Without the need to take anyone’s side. Without the need to agree with me on anything at all,” said Rama.
According to him, the identities of those who wish to communicate without revealing their names will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed without their consent.
The head of government emphasized that this initiative is not intended to replace protests with a digital form, nor to make dialogue conditional upon agreement on matters where we might never see eye to eye.
The goal, he explained, is to build a bridge where questions, criticisms, concerns, and proposals—as well as responses, counterarguments, mutual understanding, and potential points of agreement—can be expressed freely, considered with respect and addressed responsibly.
“No one should have to choose between the right to protest and the opportunity to be heard. Therefore, those who wish to protest peacefully should be free to do so without any hindrance. Those who also wish to engage in dialogue regarding the reasons for their protest—by all means, they are welcome in this new social space. Let us begin by agreeing that we may never reach an agreement; yet, the quality of our democratic coexistence depends on how we express our disagreements,” stated Rama.
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