At the height of the tensions of recent weeks, the OSCE ambassador to Albania, Michel Tarran, delivered a message that points to a problem deeper than the clashes in the streets themselves: the lack of dialogue and the feeling that citizens’ voices are not being taken into consideration.
Reaction after the latest protests
Tarran reacted to the violent protests held in Tirana and other cities over the past two weeks, stressing that violence is never a solution.
In his assessment, what has been seen over recent weeks and months is a lack of dialogue, in a climate where people are left with the impression that their views are not being heard or taken into account.
A critical message on how citizens are heard
The ambassador’s statement touches on a sensitive point in the country’s public life: the gap between institutions and citizens, especially when grievances erupt into protests.
According to him, every opportunity to organize dialogue and consultation should be supported, precisely to avoid the closing of communication channels between the public and decision-making.
Focus on youth participation
The OSCE ambassador placed particular emphasis on young people, underlining that they must understand that they have space to take part in public debate.
He linked this to a broader understanding of democracy, not simply as an electoral process once every four years, but as daily engagement in public life and decision-making.
Call for more public space, not escalation
In his remarks, Tarran also praised the idea behind the “Thuaje” activity, presenting it as a space where citizens can openly express their views on different issues.
His message remains clear: when institutions do not create real mechanisms for listening, dissatisfaction builds up. But, according to him, the answer should not be sought in violence, but in dialogue and genuine participation.
The OSCE reaction comes at a time when protests and the way they are managed are once again bringing the relationship between citizens and institutions to the center of debate.
It is precisely where dialogue is missing that mistrust grows — and that is the strongest signal to emerge from the ambassador’s statement.