Albanian President Bajram Begaj has called on protesters and law enforcement to exercise responsibility and restraint following escalating tensions during demonstrations in Tirana, emphasizing the right to peaceful protest and the need to prevent violence.
In a statement published on Facebook on Wednesday, October 14, Begaj expressed concern over recent developments and stressed that both protesters and police must act within the boundaries of the law.
“The President of the Republic is following with concern the escalation of tensions during the protests and calls on all parties to act responsibly and with restraint,” the Presidency said in its statement.
Begaj underlined that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right that the state has an obligation to protect. At the same time, he warned that violence cannot be used to express dissatisfaction and that police use of force must remain lawful and proportionate.
“The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and an obligation of the state to guarantee. But violence cannot be a means of expressing dissatisfaction, nor should the use of force by the police go beyond the limits of the law and proportionality,” Begaj said.
His statement came on the second day of protests near the Ministry of Education, where clashes between demonstrators and police have reportedly involved stone-throwing, Molotov cocktails and fires affecting public and private property.
According to a health services update issued at 4:30 p.m., six protesters and two police officers had received medical assistance. Five people remained under treatment at the University Trauma Hospital, while three other protesters had been discharged from the University Hospital Center of Tirana (QSUT).
The president also stressed that respect for the Constitution and the law must be binding on everyone, without exception.
“At this moment, the country needs greater responsibility. The Constitution and the law must remain the boundaries for everyone, without exception,” he said.
Begaj further offered to hear the concerns of protesters and other citizens, presenting the Presidency as a venue for dialogue.
“I remain ready to listen to all concerns. My office is and will remain open to every young person and every citizen who wishes to express themselves, engage in dialogue and contribute to the good of the country,” he said.
