Kosovo Prime Minister and leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, has commented on the ongoing protests in Albania, expressing surprise at attempts to associate his party with the demonstrations and violent clashes.
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“I have watched with surprise as various voices have attempted to attribute these protests to Vetëvendosje as well. But today we are a governing force, not a protest force. Even when we were a protest movement, we led the protests ourselves and never remained anonymous,” Kurti said.
He stressed that developments in Albania are being followed with concern, responsibility and a sense of national commitment, describing the country's democratic progress as a historic responsibility for Albanians.
Addressing the clashes during the demonstrations, Kurti condemned violence and injuries inflicted on citizens. However, he said that alongside criminal responsibility, the underlying causes that lead to the escalation of tensions must also be examined.
“Public order and the freedom to protest must be protected simultaneously,” he stated.
Kurti Rejects Attempts to Involve Vetëvendosje in Albania's Protests
Kurti also rejected what he described as attempts to instrumentalize his party in connection with the protests in Albania. He said Vetëvendosje had never supported the tactic of acting anonymously while allowing others to take responsibility.
“We have never considered the tactic of ‘throwing the stone and hiding the hand’ to be worthy. We have kept our distance from instrumentalization, neither allowing anyone to instrumentalize us nor instrumentalizing others,” he declared.
His remarks come amid ongoing student-led demonstrations in Albania, where protesters have demanded political accountability and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
“Kosovo and Albania Are Not Rivals”
Kurti also addressed relations between Kosovo and Albania, emphasizing that the two countries are not, and will never be, rivals.
He expressed support for Albania's progress towards European Union membership and welcomed developments in its economy and tourism sector. He also called for deeper cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure, economic development, education and security.
“Albania is something we love, always and regardless of circumstances. It is an inseparable part of our national identity. That is why we follow developments there with concern, care, responsibility and love,” Kurti said.
He added that Kosovo wants Albania's achievements to be consolidated and expanded through joint projects benefiting both countries.
“We wholeheartedly want and hope that these achievements of the Albanian government and the Albanian people will be consolidated and expanded through joint projects between Kosovo and Albania, in infrastructure, the economy, education, military cooperation and beyond,” the Kosovo Prime Minister concluded.