While demonstrations organized by university students demanding better education conditions and protests against the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama continue in Albania, the future of the political system in the country is being discussed.
In her statements to Caner Çiftçi from Cumhuriyet, Albanian Constituent Assembly Member Marjana Koçeku evaluated the reasons for the protests, early election debates, foreign investments, Kosovo-Serbian tension and Türkiye's role in the region.
Arguing that the problems in Albania cannot be solved only by a change of government, Koçeku emphasized that democratic institutions in the country must be re-strengthened and the rule of law must be ensured.
Stating that the protests that have been going on for months in Albania have gone beyond the opposition to Prime Minister Edi Rama, Koçeku said that the demonstrations reflect deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the political system.
Arguing that the political structure in the country has not been able to provide equal opportunities, accountability, merit and true democratic representation for many years, Koçeku stated that the protests were initially shaped around environmental concerns.
Koçeku stated that the reactions to legal regulations, especially those affecting protected areas, natural resources and strategic investments, turned into a broader social movement over time, and that students, young professionals, environmental activists and citizens came together around common demands.
"What we are witnessing today is the expression of the frustration that has accumulated over the years. Young people demand quality education, decent employment, functioning institutions and a future in their own country," Koçeku said.
Emphasizing that the Edi Rama government is responsible for responding to these demands since it has been in power for more than ten years, Koçeku stated that the problems cannot be attributed only to a single political leader.
Koçeku said, "People don't just want the government to change. They demand a change in the way Albania is governed."
"EARLY ELECTIONS ALONE CANNOT SOLVE THE CRISIS"
Evaluating the early elections and interim government options discussed in the country, Koçeku said that the solution to the political crisis should be shaped within the framework of the constitution, democratic institutions and the will of the people.
He stated that early elections may offer a democratic way out, but they will not be sufficient on their own if citizens do not trust the electoral process and the independence of institutions.
Stating that the interim government option could also be considered, Koçeku noted that such a government should be established through legitimate constitutional and political processes, and its term of office and powers should be clearly defined.
Koçeku pointed out the importance of conducting political dialogue within democratic institutions and said, "Parliament cannot become dysfunctional while the country is facing a serious political crisis."
Emphasizing that the right to peaceful protest must be protected, Koçeku demanded an independent investigation into allegations that the police used disproportionate force, made arbitrary detentions and violated fundamental rights.
Koçeku stated that his priority is not only the change of political administration, but also the restoration of trust in democratic institutions and the citizens should have a say in the decisions that concern them.
"ALbania's natural riches cannot be sacrificed"
Koçeku also evaluated the discussions regarding tourism projects worth billions of Euros linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, and said that the environmental and social costs of economic development should not be ignored.
Stating that he comes from a rural community and works in the fields of sustainable tourism and environmental development, Koçeku emphasized that Albania's natural riches cannot be consumed for short-term economic gains.
Stating that he is not against foreign investments, Koçeku stated that investments should respect environmental legislation, local communities, transparency and public interest.
Drawing attention to the projects in the Sazan Island and Vjosa-Narta regions linked to Kushner, Koçeku said that it should be clarified who benefits from these investments, their long-term environmental impacts and the participation of local people in decision-making processes.
Koçeku stated that public resources should be managed in line with national interests, regardless of the international influence of investors, and said, "Economic development should serve the public and protect the natural heritage of the country. The cost of this should not be the loss of our natural assets."
Arguing that Albania can be a successful tourism destination by preserving its natural and cultural identity, Koçeku said, "Most importantly, we can achieve this without selling its lands, as in the example of Sazan Island."
"SERBIA SHOULD RECOGNIZE KOSOVO'S INDEPENDENCE"
Making evaluations about the tension between Kosovo and Serbia, Koçeku said that Serbia should recognize the independence of Kosovo.
Arguing that true democratization is not possible for a Serbia that rejects Kosovo's sovereignty, Koçeku stated that the Belgrade administration must confront the crimes committed in Kosovo in the past.
Koçeku stated that crimes such as mass murders, sexual violence, killing of civilians and children, and destruction of settlements in Kosovo should be acknowledged and an apology should be made to the victims.
Emphasizing that the Balkans cannot bear the conflicts of the 1990s again, Koçeku stated that a new war would have serious consequences not only for the region but for the whole of Europe.
Koçeku said, "Reconciliation cannot be built without accepting the facts, permanent peace cannot be achieved without justice, and a democratic future cannot be built by denying the past."
"Türkiye'S COOPERATION WITH SERBIA SHOULD NOT HARM KOSOVO'S SECURITY"
Touching on Türkiye's role in the Western Balkans, Koçeku emphasized the importance of historical, cultural and diplomatic relations between Ankara and Tirana.
Stating that Türkiye is an important partner for Albania, especially in the fields of economic cooperation, security and defense, Koçeku said that Ankara's relations with Serbia should also be evaluated within the framework of regional strategic interests.
Stating that Türkiye can maintain constructive relations with both Albania and Serbia, Koçeku stated that this should contribute to regional stability, mutual trust and peaceful cooperation.
Koçeku emphasized that it is important for Albania that Türkiye recognizes Kosovo's independence and supports its international position, and said, "The most important issue is that the cooperation between Ankara and Belgrade does not harm Kosovo's sovereignty or security."
Koçeku stated that the Western Balkans should not turn into a field of competition between foreign powers and that regional cooperation should strengthen democratic institutions, stability and the goal of integration with Europe.
"IMPUNITY HAS BECOME THE LAW IN ALBANIA"
Commenting on the allegations of corruption in Albania, Koçeku argued that the main problem in the country is not only corruption, but also that impunity has become a part of the system.
"The main problem in Albania is not only corruption. The real problem is the existence of a system in which impunity has practically become the law itself," Koceku said.
Stating that corruption is not perceived as an exceptional situation in the functioning of the state, but as an element embedded in the way political power is used, Koçeku stated that the weakening of the independence of institutions and political accountability deepens the problem.
Koçeku said, "When institutions are not independent, when political accountability almost disappears and those in power appear to act above the law, corruption turns from an individual crime into a systemic problem."
Stating that the Albanian Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office (SPAK) carries out important work, especially in high-level corruption investigations, Koçeku said that despite this, there is a lot to be done.
He emphasized that the judiciary must be not only independent, but also consistent and applied equally to all, without being influenced by political influence.
"CITIZENS WHO ARE ACCOUNTABLE ARE ENCOUNTERED WITH POLICE VIOLENCE"
Continuing his criticism of the functioning of democratic institutions, Koçeku said that the damage to media independence and police interventions against protesters are worrying.
Stating that allegations of police violence against students, children and peaceful demonstrators should be investigated independently, Koçeku stated that it is incompatible with democratic principles for citizens who exercise their fundamental rights to face pressure and intimidation.
Koçeku: "What kind of democracy are we building if those accused of abusing public power are protected, while those who demand accountability are met with police batons?" he said.
Emphasizing that the main duty of state institutions is to protect citizens from the abuse of power by the government, Koçeku said, "The duty of institutions is not to protect the government from citizens."
Stating that what happened in Albania cannot be considered only as a corruption problem, Koçeku argued that there is a broader crisis in the country in the areas of democracy, institutional independence and the rule of law.
Koçeku said, "A state where the powerful enjoy impunity and ordinary citizens are afraid to exercise their fundamental rights cannot claim to have achieved true democracy."
"ALbania CANNOT BUILD THE EUROPEAN FUTURE ON A CULTURE OF IMPUNITY"
Referring to Albania's integration process with Europe, Koçeku emphasized that the goal of European Union membership should not be limited only to legal regulations.
Stating that integration with Europe should mean independent institutions, free media, accountable government and justice applied equally to everyone, Koçeku drew attention to the importance of strengthening democratic principles in practice.
"Albania cannot build a European future on a culture of impunity," Koçeku said.
Stating that in an environment where democratic principles are weakened, merely adopting European legislation will not be sufficient, Koçeku stated that real integration will be possible by securing the rule of law and institutional independence.
