As several areas of the country face wildfires, the political debate has shifted to the responsibility of institutions and the state’s real ability to respond. Democratic Party Deputy Chairman Agron Gjekmarkaj has leveled strong accusations against the government, claiming the crisis is being managed without strategy and with weak structures on the ground.
Political accusations of failure in territorial management
Gjekmarkaj says the government has for years lost control of the territory, a claim that, according to him, becomes evident every time the country is gripped by summer wildfires.
According to him, in the face of flames damaging forests, land, homes and property, the institutional response remains limited to identifying fire hotspots and damage, without a functional system for prevention and timely intervention.
Lack of strategy and capacities
In his position, the PD’s number two raises doubts about the real capacities of the responsible structures, stressing a lack of vehicles, equipment and a serious strategy for preventing and managing wildfires.
He claims civil emergencies remain unprepared, while public funds, according to the opposition, are allocated to other questionable priorities rather than where the need appears repeatedly every summer.
Criticism of what the opposition calls a propagandistic approach
Part of the accusations also relates to the way the situation is presented publicly. Gjekmarkaj claims that instead of a serious and measurable response on the ground, a propagandistic approach from offices often prevails, while the consequences for citizens and property remain real.
At this point, his criticism does not stop only at the immediate response, but touches on the model of institutional management, which according to the opposition’s version has produced neither prevention nor effective risk control.
What the opposition wants instead of a seasonal response
According to Gjekmarkaj, wildfires should not be treated as a summer episode, but as a recurring problem requiring continuous investment throughout the year. He mentions forest maintenance, clearing endangered areas, creating access roads, securing water sources and strengthening firefighting structures.
His statement links the wildfire crisis to deeper problems of public administration, including a lack of vision, institutional incapacity and the way the territory has been managed in recent years.
In essence, the PD deputy chairman’s position is a direct political accusation against the way the state is confronting an emergency that returns every summer.
So far, no new official data are presented in this reaction, but it raises clear questions about the real preparedness of institutions and about the gap between public statements and the situation on the ground.