The 30th protest for the removal of Edi Rama has been joined by 5 MEPs from Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. Tineke Strik, Daniel Freund, Cristina Guarda, Jutta Paulus and Anna Strolenberg had previously held several meetings with various groups of coordinators for the protest. They then also delivered a speech in protest.
German MEP Tineke Strik said that the voice of Albanian citizens will be heard in Brussels as well. She emphasized that this protest shows that the Albanian people do not accept the denial of their right to speak.
"Solidarity with the Albanian people who are protesting. Continue with the mobilization in protest, your voice will be expressed in Brussels as well. We will fight for the same values as the Albanians, for democracy. This shows that the Albanian people do not accept the denial of the right to speak and that the government should listen to the citizens and not the rich people," declared the MEP.
Meanwhile, MEP Anna Strolenberg stated to the protesters that Prime Minister Edi Rama should listen to the citizens' demands, as they are clear. During her speech, Strolenberg stated that Albanians are protesting for European values.
"What you are protesting for are European values: protecting nature, fighting corruption, transparency, democracy. I am here to support you. There are many people from many backgrounds, we want Albania to go to the EU, but if you want to go, Edi Rama must listen. Edi Rama, are you listening to us? He must listen, the demands are clear: don't mess with Albanians, fight corruption and protect nature!" - said Strolenberg.
Italian MEP Christina Guarda has also given a message to Rama that he does not enter Europe humbly, but with his head held high.
"You have taught us so much, you have taught us to protect the land, to live well on our land, you have taught us the beauty of protecting our rights, human rights, not to be consumed by corrupt politics. I want to thank you and the Albanian diaspora in Italy.
"Thank you to the diaspora throughout Europe who are protesting for you. I have an image, the prime minister bowing to my prime minister. You don't enter Europe by bowing down, serving anyone, you enter with your head held high, knowing that you deserve it. I am with you Albania," she said.
Meanwhile, German MEP Jutta Paulus said that Prime Minister Rama had sent her an email asking her not to vote on an amendment.
"Albanian nature is very beautiful and wonderful and it is so beautiful to see you fighting for nature, for flamingos and against the oligarchs who want to destroy that nature. We are here to support you in this battle and we will convey your voice to Brussels and we will say that Albania is not for sale, nature is not for sale."
You are fighting for your country, but also for your rights, to be heard. Because this is in European laws. If Albania is going to join the EU, which you deserve so much, then your government must change the law, must abolish the law that they have changed for the billionaires and that they did not do for the good of Albanians, but only for their pockets and their friends! Thank you for this protest even though the government seeks to intimidate you and take you away from your rights" - said Tienke.
"I received an email from Edi Rama telling me not to vote for an amendment, but of course we voted for that amendment because European law must be in force and it is not for sale either! Continue your battle, we will do our best to support your fight in Brussels. Albanians deserve more than their government," she said.
Greek MEP Vula Tsetsi also joined the protest. During her speech in front of the Prime Minister's Office, Tsetsi stated that there will be no EU enlargement with Albania if Rama sells the country to foreigners.
"Today you have 30 days of protest and what is happening with you is recognized not only in the EU, but also beyond, and congratulations! Everything you ask for is thanks to you, because you do not only protect your nature. Albania is not for sale!
You are defending your rights, your dignity, your country, EU enlargement. There is no EU enlargement with Albania if Rama sells the country to foreigners and does not listen to your voice. 90% of you believe in the EU project and we want to honor this.
We want the European Commission to put pressure on Rama to give up! We also need to appeal to our social democratic friends because Rama is with the social democrats. Our friends there must wake up and protect you. So don't give up, every day is a day of victory! Not only for democracy, but for you and for us, because Albania must be in the EU" – said Tsetsi. ©LAPSI.al
