Haxhiu on the protests in Albania: Vetëvendosje has not called for participation, the violence must stop

The speaker of Kosovo's Parliament, Albulena Haxhiu, reacted on Monday to the protests that have been taking place for days in several Albanian cities, denying that the Vetëvendosje movement has called on people to join them.

Haxhiu said that what happens in Albania affects all Albanians, since “Albania for us is Home.” She stressed that Albanian institutions, including Parliament, the Presidency and the Government, have an obligation to address the students' demands, asking whether these are the same demands that began years ago.

Against violence from both sides

According to her, Kosovo does not support violence, whether by police against protesters or the other way around, and the violence must stop on both sides. Haxhiu said that arrogance from those in power fuels the protests and called for seriousness and maturity in handling the situation.

Regarding her party, she said Vetëvendosje has never invited supporters to take part in the protests in Albania. Acknowledging that the movement has broad support, Haxhiu added that the party cannot be held responsible if some of its supporters decide to protest there.

The statement comes on the seventh day of protests in Tirana, which have been accompanied by clashes between protesters and police.