Prime Minister Edi Rama has repeated his call for dialogue with students, saying he is ready to meet “anywhere and at any time.” Alongside the invitation to talk, he also sharpened his tone toward those who, according to his version, have incited violence and been involved in unlawful acts.
The invitation to dialogue returns with the same message
In his statement, Rama said the willingness for dialogue remains open to anyone who believes in confronting viewpoints, even when they are opposing.
He presented the meeting as an opportunity to discuss how, in his view, Albania can become better through exchange rather than confrontation.
Warning of criminal prosecution for those who incite violence
In the same appearance, the prime minister shifted from calling for dialogue to punitive language, declaring that the people who, according to him, have held the capital hostage, incited violence, or acted with their faces covered, will face legal and criminal responsibility.
Rama did not provide names or other specific details in this statement about the people he is accusing, but insisted that responsibility would be proportionate to the violations committed.
Strong rhetoric on the protest and the government’s political message
The head of government described violent opposition as unacceptable and used strong political language, claiming that violence is being used in an attempt to impose an unacceptable course on the majority.
In his remarks, he said that “Albania’s path does not change,” linking this message to the pro-European Union course and to the government’s position that violent protests cannot dictate the country’s political direction.
Rama’s statement comes as another attempt to keep the debate focused on the offer of dialogue, while at the same time shifting attention to punishing those the government considers responsible for the violence.
Politically, the message remains twofold: an invitation to talk for one part of the protesters and a criminal warning for others, according to the division made by the authorities themselves.