TIRANA, Oct 24 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that the government would soon announce measures to address socio-economic concerns and strengthen public security, while reiterating its readiness to hear protesters’ demands and engage in dialogue.
Speaking from the Prime Minister’s Office alongside Interior Minister Ervin Demo, Rama said he had spoken by phone with a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine who raised specific concerns about the university hospital.
“A protest is meant to be heard. People protest when they feel no one is listening to what they believe needs to be addressed. A protest is meant to bring people to the negotiating table, not to overthrow a government or governing majority through violence,” Rama said.
He added that protests by groups of citizens, rather than political parties, should aim to resolve grievances through dialogue. The concerns raised by the lecturer were legitimate, he said, and warranted discussion.
Rama said the government was ready to listen and negotiate, stressing that the right to protest could not justify violating the rights of others.
“Freedom to protest is an undeniable right, while violence is a punishable crime,” he said.
The government was working on two fronts, Rama said: addressing citizens’ social and economic needs and safeguarding public order and security.
He said measures would soon be announced to help people cope with the rising cost of living, expand access to affordable housing, particularly in Tirana, and promote greater social redistribution and equality.
On public security, Rama said the government was preparing concrete proposals in cooperation with international partners, drawing on measures adopted in Italy and France.
“We will soon present specific proposals and concrete measures,” he said.
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