TIRANA, Oct 28 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday defended his government’s economic and development record, highlighting rising investment, wages and pensions, tourism growth and progress towards European Union membership, while condemning violence at protests and attacks on police.
In a message to the public, Rama said Albania was continuing its transformation through economic growth and efforts to combat corruption and crime, supported by an independent judiciary.
“With the majority in government, we are a major obstacle to those who want an Albania still mired in chaos, debt and urban decay,” Rama said, adding that the country was expanding its economy and investment while raising wages and pensions.
He also highlighted the growth of tourism, saying Albania welcomed more than 12 million visitors annually, and said the country aimed to complete negotiations on all EU accession chapters by the end of 2027.
Rama said citizens had every right to criticise the government, protest and demand justice, regardless of their political affiliations, including calling for his resignation.
“They are absolutely entitled to criticise, protest and demand my resignation, both in the streets and on television,” he said, referring to those who opposed his government.
Rama said he would remain in office until the end of his commitment to ordinary Albanians, while accusing some student protesters of damaging public property and attacking police. He also criticised media outlets that he alleged were using illicit funds to glorify violence and support demonstrators who attacked officers.
“I am and will remain at my post until the last day of my contract with the ordinary people of Albania,” he said, adding that he would continue doing everything in his power for the country.
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