The talks also focused on the need for concrete measures to protect citizens, institutions and both public and private property, drawing upon the experiences and practices of European Union member states.

In a statement to the media following the meetings, Minister Demo emphasized that while the constitutional right to protest must be guaranteed, this must be accompanied by firm measures to prevent violence and maintain public order and safety.

“Recent developments in Albania have highlighted the need to take concrete steps to strengthen public safety, prevent violence and protect citizens and property. Italy has taken concrete measures in this regard, as have other European Union countries. We are carefully examining these experiences to strengthen our legal instruments and institutional capacities.

I want to be very clear about one thing: the right to protest is a constitutional right and we are fully committed to guarantee and protect it. However, the right to protest is not a right to commit acts of violence, attack police officers or destroy public or private property,” he emphasized.

Demo added that, “We will guarantee the freedom to protest, but at the same time, we will take all the necessary measures—in accordance with the law—to ensure order and the safety of every citizen throughout the territory of Albania; because protecting the right to protest and safeguarding public safety are two obligations that must go hand in hand.”

“Therefore, today we discussed with many of our partners the concrete steps that can be taken—within the framework of institutional cooperation—to ensure stronger and more tangible public security for all citizens,” he said. /m.q/r.e/j.p/p.s./

In a social media post today, Demo highlighted that the meeting focused on the importance of a comprehensive approach to the fight against drugs—one that integrates security and law enforcement with addiction prevention, the protection of young people and support for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of individuals struggling with addiction.

“Addressing this phenomenon requires shared responsibility, international cooperation and sustainable policies aimed not only at combating drug trafficking and distribution but also at preventing the social and health-related consequences of addiction,” wrote Demo.

“Prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration are essential components of a long-term strategy centered on protecting young people and creating concrete opportunities for a healthy and secure life,” Demo emphasized in his social media post. /e.i/a.f/r.e/p.s./

“I wish everyone a speedy recovery, and I would like to remind you that we have far more reason to come together and work for the good of the country, rather than clashing on behalf of someone who expects others to pull their chestnuts out of the fire—people blinded by hatred and the flames of division,” said Demo.

He urged parents not to allow their children to become involved in acts of violence, emphasizing that students should not be equated with those who engage in violence.

“Using minors in deeply political acts—and, worse still, putting their lives at risk for the sake of a power struggle—is a despicable act; it must not go unnoticed, nor should it fail to be condemned by all of Albanian society,” said the minister.

Further on, Demo accused the political opponents of aiming to seize power through violence, stating that nothing will halt Albania’s journey toward the European Union.

This is a thinly veiled attempt by those seeking to seize power by force—with total disregard for minors and private businesses that have nothing to do with their struggle—to derail Albania’s path toward the European Union. Their goal is to pull the country away from the EU negotiating table and drag us back to a past we worked so hard to escape, said the minister.

Demo concluded by saying that, “I want to assure you that they will not succeed! Albania is already well on its way toward its destination and nothing—nor anyone—will stop the country’s European development!” /e.xh/ /a.g/p.s./

In a statement, Demo remarked that today’s events do not represent the students’ demands, while emphasizing that the government is ready to continue the dialogue on improving higher education.

“Today, everyone in Albania saw that the country’s oldest political faction—now on its deathbed but refusing to surrender—used the students as a shield to unleash destruction, fire, and the plundering of public and private property,” the minister said.

He highlighted that foreign actors, operating via social media, were also involved in the acts of violence.

Further on, the minister addressed the students—particularly those studying medicine—emphasizing that the government does not view them as adversaries, even when they hold differing political views. He raised the question of what kind of Albania the students wish to inherit and urged them to voice their demands through dialogue.

“The government is always open to you; the University Pact emerged from a protest by your predecessors in the lecture halls and remains an open book—ready for new chapters to be written through dialogue, not stones. If you seek faster progress, this is the path to take, not the one seen over the last 48 hours—a course orchestrated by malicious minds with no connection to you,” the minister said.

Demo also addressed those who committed arson and destroyed public and private property, warning of legal consequences.

Addressing the citizens of Tirana, he asked for patience regarding the situation, emphasizing that the sight of fires near the ministries should not be interpreted as a sign of state weakness.

Demo concluded by saying that the government possesses more information than it can currently make public and expressed confidence that these events would not set the country back. /p.s./

In his remarks, Minister Demo highlighted that relations between the two countries are grounded in historical ties, shared traditions and people-to-people cooperation, all of which create a solid foundation for the further development of the partnership.

Referring to economic cooperation, he noted that trade exchanges between Albania and Greece have surpassed €1 billion, with more than 300 Greek companies operating in the Albanian market.

Demo paid special attention to regional cooperation through the Interreg program, under which Albania and Greece are implementing 20 projects with a total value of €25 million, involving 55 partners—roughly half of whom are municipalities. These projects cover areas that directly impact citizens’ lives, ranging from eco-tourism to infrastructure and local development.

In his capacity as Minister of the Interior, Demo also emphasized strengthening cooperation on border management—in line with Schengen standards—as well as on combating organized crime and trafficking and on civil protection. He cited the cross-border cooperation between Albanian and Greek firefighting services as an example, noting its contribution to enhancing the logistical and professional capacities needed to handle emergencies.

Speaking about Albania’s European integration, Demo acknowledged Greece’s continued support for this process and expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would remain vital on the path to European Union membership, with Albania aiming to conclude negotiation chapters by 2027. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

In a social media post, Demo emphasized the importance of cooperation with Sweden in building a police force that is closer to citizens—one that listens to their concerns and responds with professionalism.

He noted that Swedish support for community policing contributes to strengthening the bond of trust between citizens and the State Police.

According to the minister, the key areas of cooperation include addressing domestic violence, partnering with schools and engaging local municipalities to resolve security issues.

Demo expressed gratitude for Sweden’s ongoing support, highlighting that it helps build a police service that is more responsive to citizens and their needs. /a.f/p.s./

“We are working to lower ID card fees for those most in need of support,” stated Minister Demo, describing this as a concrete commitment aimed at serving the public.

On the other hand, the Ministry of the Interior and IdentiTek are working to ensure a faster, simpler and more accessible service. The standard procedure for obtaining an identity document is completed within 10 working days, while the expedited process takes 3 working days.

There are also efforts made on expanding online services—such as online voucher purchases and document tracking—as well as providing home or hospital-based services for citizens with limited mobility, both domestically and abroad. The provision of services for Albanians abroad is also being expanded through special missions in areas with significant Albanian communities that lack consular services; meanwhile, work continues on extending services to other locations in Asia and Australia.

There are also efforts made on technological upgrades and stricter security standards. Alongside National Agency for Information Society and National Cyber Security Authority, the Ministry of Interior is rolling out the Digital ID and designing the passport of the future to meet the upcoming 2030 benchmarks.

“Every improvement we make here must render into something tangible for the citizen: less time, lower costs and better service,” stated Minister Demo. /m.q/r.e/a.f/p.s./

Minister Demo requested comprehensive crime data across the region—focusing on drug and illegal gambling hotspots—alongside updates on apprehending high-profile, dangerous fugitives.

Demo placed special emphasis on curbing illegal firearm possession. The Minister urged the use of police intelligence and targeted, surprise interventions against armed individuals to actively prevent and combat the problem.

Demo also highlighted the need to implement the School Security Package. He called for the utmost commitment from all units to ensure safety within and around school perimeters.

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Talks centered on EU assistance to boost State Police capabilities, fight organized crime, recover illicit assets, and align border and migration management with Schengen and European standards.

Minister Demo emphasized that the current phase of the integration process emphasizes strengthening institutions, fostering inter-institutional and international cooperation, and achieving tangible, measurable and lasting results.

“Through continued partnership, the European Union will support Albania’s reform agenda and its steady progress toward accession,” stated Minister Demo. /p.s./

Speaking about the operation, Demo emphasized that cracking down on drug distribution—particularly near schools—is a priority for the State Police in Tirana and across the country.

“As part of the operation, 31 individuals were placed under arrest, while 14 others have been declared wanted,” Demo stated.

He pledged that the State Police would remain committed to ensuring student safety.

The “Clean Schools” operation followed a four-month investigation by the Narcotics Investigation Sector of Tirana Local Police Directorate, in cooperation with Tirana Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation identified 52 individuals suspected of belonging to several groups that were selling narcotics near primary and secondary schools, as well as in various areas of the capital. 31 of them were arrested. /p.s./