One month of protests. Thousands of citizens in the streets. Five clear demands. And yet, to this day, there has been almost complete silence from the diplomatic missions accredited to Albania, which speak every day about democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Where are they? Why has there been no public reaction? Why has not even a single word been spoken when citizens are asking to be heard and, instead of receiving answers, are met only with labels and accusations?

For years, Albanians have been told that the democratic path is peaceful protest, dialogue, and civic participation. We have been told: do not choose violence, do not take up arms, but raise your voice democratically and the institutions will listen to you.

That is exactly what the Albanian people did.

They did not take to the streets with weapons. They did not call for civil war. They did not choose violence. They chose peaceful protest because they believed this was the democratic path that had been taught to them and encouraged for years, including by the diplomatic missions accredited to Albania.

And for an entire month, they have continued to follow that very path.

So the question is simple: where are the diplomatic missions accredited to Albania? Where is their voice? Why this silence, precisely when citizens are following the democratic path they have always been encouraged to follow?

When a government, instead of responding to the demands of its citizens, chooses to label the protesters, does this not deserve at least a public call for dialogue, restraint, and respect for the citizens?

Albanians endured 45 years of dictatorship. No one wishes to return to that past. That is precisely why they chose peaceful protest. Because they believed that democracy is not only about election day, but also about the right to be heard throughout an elected government’s mandate.

But when citizens protest for weeks and see no public response from the diplomatic missions that consistently speak in the name of democracy, an unavoidable question arises:

What message is being sent to the citizens? That peaceful protest is not enough? That their voice has no value? That democracy matters only on election day?

Democracy is not defended only through statements and speeches. It is also defended by ensuring that a people who choose the peaceful path in seeking change are not left to feel abandoned.

Because when citizens lose confidence that their voices are being heard, it is not only trust in the government that is damaged. Trust in democracy itself is also harmed.

So the question remains unanswered:

Where are the diplomatic missions accredited to Albania?

By Gjergj Yllneshaj