Diplomacy
OSCE ambassador Tarran: The main problem is the lack of dialogue, violence has no place in democracy
Michel Tarran, head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, said in Elbasan that people feel their voice is not heard and expressed regret over the violent incidents in Tirana.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 28, 2026, 12:50 · Updated 18:43 · 1 min read
In brief
- Tarran called the lack of dialogue the main problem after the protests of recent weeks.
- Asked about the use of force by police, he said violence in general cannot be part of democratic life.
- The diplomat spoke in Elbasan during events of the European Local Democracy Week.
Ambassador Michel Tarran, head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, commented on Wednesday on the recent protests in Tirana, stressing the lack of communication between institutions and citizens. He spoke to the media in Elbasan, which is hosting events of the European Local Democracy Week.
“Their voice is not heard”
According to Tarran, the main problem is “the lack of dialogue.” “People have the impression that their voice is not heard,” he said, adding that dialogue and consultation should be supported, especially in a country seeking membership in the European Union. The diplomat stressed that citizen participation is an ongoing process: “Democracy is not only about voting once every four years.”
On violence and police force
Asked about the use of force by police against protesters, including students and minors, Tarran replied that “violence, in general, cannot be part of democratic life,” but that the issue cannot be discussed without also addressing other forms of violence. “We are very sorry that there have been so many violent incidents in Tirana,” he added, referring to recent weeks.
The ambassador also praised the “Thuaje” (“Say It”) initiative in Elbasan, with 55 discussion panels, saying he liked its name, which in his view sums up the need for citizens to speak and be heard. The European Local Democracy Week brings together 135 organizations and international partners in Elbasan. His remarks came on the 16th day of the student protest, as Prime Minister Rama renewed his invitation to dialogue to students and lecturers, who have rejected it and are demanding his resignation.
