Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj went to the Zogu i Zi area to inspect reported damage to businesses after the protests, coupling the visit with a strong political message. In her public statement, she denied that students were responsible and leveled direct accusations at the opposition, even referring to “foreign assistance” which, according to her, does not want Albania in the European Union.
On-site inspection after the damage
Ibrahimaj appeared in the Zogu i Zi area to see firsthand the damage caused to businesses. She said she had gone there to document the situation and assess the consequences the protests had left on private activity in this area of Tirana.
The visit came at a time when public attention has shifted to material damage and responsibility for it, while the government is putting forward political interpretations of the event.
The minister distances herself from the student narrative
In the video published on social media, Ibrahimaj insisted that the people who, according to her, are destroying the city are not students. She linked this behavior to another political hand, claiming that the opposition is behind the acts of violence.
This is a clear political positioning by the minister, made at the height of the debate over the protests and their consequences, but without being accompanied by specific public elements that would substantiate the accusation she raised.
Claims about “outside forces” and the EU
Ibrahimaj went further in her accusations, declaring that this is the same hand that has wanted to leave Albania behind and that this time, according to her, is acting with foreign assistance.
In the version presented by the minister, these forces do not want the country’s progress and aim to obstruct Albania’s path toward the European Union. At this stage, the statement remains a political accusation publicly voiced by a member of the government.
Call for businesses to document the damage
Ibrahimaj called on affected businesses to document the damage they suffered. According to her, this should help the Ministry of Economy and judicial bodies intervene and address the harm caused.
It remains to be seen whether this appeal will be followed by a formal verification process, identified responsibilities and concrete measures, or whether the event will remain at the level of political statements and confrontational rhetoric.
Ibrahimaj’s statement shifts the focus from the concrete damage to the political clash over responsibility and the motives behind the protest.
Beyond the strong rhetoric, responsibility for the damage to businesses requires evidence, institutional verification and public transparency.