
Former President of the Republic, Bamir Topi, invited to the show "The Unexposed" on Vizion Plus, spoke about the crisis that Albania is experiencing, after seven days of revolt in the streets of the capital.
Topi stated that the crisis is related to the excessive power of Edi Rama, who today controls everything and has replaced the state itself.
Excerpts from the studio conversation
Ylli Rakipi: Mr. Topi, you have been through almost all the crises in this country and you know them. Why do we have war in the streets of Tirana? Why do you think the situation has reached this point?
Bamir Topi: The answer is one that we have frequently addressed together. What is happening on the streets of Tirana is the epilogue of a dramatic change that has occurred in the relationship between the state and power.
I have witnessed a long journey since the 90s until today, whether as a politician, a citizen of Tirana, or even as President. What happened in 2008 changed the structure of the state for the worse, and after so many years we see the epilogue of a government that has total control over the state. Coming to the studio, I was updated with the latest news, also seeing some footage. The police have penetrated into the suburban neighborhoods of Tirana.
Whether in the capacity of an old citizen of Tirana, or in the capacity of an intellectual, a long-term politician and especially in the capacity of a former head of state, I am addressing the prime minister with these words, Mr. Prime Minister, if Albania has come to this point, you are the main responsible. I point the finger without any hesitation. Year after year when he took power, he came increasing his power and today we have a prime minister who dominates everything. We no longer have the state.
Ylli Rakipi: So for 18 consecutive years, Albania has been in the hands of two people, Berisha and Rama.
Bamir Topi: I exaggerated by saying it. People did not understand and believe it, and I even gave clear signals by explaining it. They have changed the foundations of the state and the diagnosis is clear. We have a man who controls everything. Today I heard with pain that the Prime Minister of Albania has sponsored violence, giving a reward of 2500 euros to frontline police officers. He is also responsible for the violence. We have had a protest for more than 130 days, where people have come out in a very civil protest. Even with great admiration in every studio, we have seen how those people demonstrated, demanded their rights.
Ylli Rakipi: This revolt seems like disgust and hatred towards the Albanian political class. Rama is certainly the first, Berisha yes, but they want the overthrow of the entire establishment.
Bamir Topi: I knew and I know very well how the state should function. If there is a mix of violent people in a protest, infiltration by vandals, this is the responsibility of the state, SHISH, the Criminal Police, which must prevent the entry of these elements. We have said that it is a terrain where anyone can penetrate. Structures must interfere. This is required for all politics, I have said it many times in many studios. Today there are no more politics and politicians, parliamentarians who are elected by the people. There are lists of two party leaders. We have seen step by step what happens. It is the epilogue of a painful history, where political power replaced the state.