TIRANA, Oct 30 /ATA/ EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa has condemned violence at protests, emphasising that citizens’ grievances should be addressed through democratic institutions.
Speaking at the fourth meeting of the EU–Albania Joint Consultative Committee in Elbasan, de Sousa stressed that violence was unacceptable in democratic societies.
“Violence is unacceptable in democratic societies and has no place in countries committed to defending democracy. There should be no violence on the streets. Citizens’ grievances must be addressed through democratic institutions, which have both the responsibility and the capacity to respond and must demonstrate their ability to do so,” the EU Ambassador said.
In this regard, she highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of democratic institutions to address citizens’ grievances and prevent tensions from escalating into street violence.
“We all have considerable work to do – politicians, civil servants and citizens alike – to strengthen the capacity of democratic institutions to address public grievances and prevent situations from escalating into street violence. We must also engage with young people, civil society and everyone else, ensuring their involvement and explaining the rules of the democratic game,” she said.
The EU Ambassador stressed that dialogue and well-functioning institutions were essential to a sustainable democracy.
“There are established channels through which people can stand up for their beliefs or express what they consider to be the most effective way of addressing citizens’ concerns. This must, once again, take place through institutions, with municipalities and local authorities also having an important part to play,” she said.
Elbasan hosted the fourth meeting of the EU–Albania Joint Consultative Committee, a forum for dialogue between EU representatives and local government officials, focusing on the contribution of local governance to Albania’s European integration process.
The meeting was attended by EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa, the Committee’s co-chair Antonio Mazzeo, Elbasan Mayor Gledian Llatja, and representatives of local and European institutions.
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