TIRANA, June 12 – The Minister of State for Relations with Parliament, Erjona Ismaili, said in Parliament that protests and public concerns require serious attention. She also warned that different interest groups operate alongside genuine citizens and may seek to benefit from such situations.

At the same time, she stressed that institutions must address issues, whether real or artificial, with maturity, reflection, and responsibility. Ismaili noted that protests have taken place peacefully. She described this as a sign of democratic maturity. However, she contrasted this with the past. She said protests once ended in fatalities and citizens did not feel safe.

Meanwhile, she said citizens today attend protests with their families. She linked this to improved safety conditions provided by the state. In addition, she condemned violence in Zvërnec. A protester suffered assault by private security guards there. She said authorities revoked the licenses of the companies involved.

Turning to the environment, the minister rejected claims that development has damaged the ecosystem in Narta lagoon. Instead, she said hunting bans and investment in wetlands strengthened biodiversity.

She said flamingos and pelicans returned in significant numbers to the Narta lagoon. According to her, 2021 recorded more than 3,000 flamingos in the area. Later, she said authorities documented flamingo nesting in Albania for the first time in 2025.

In addition, Ismaili said biodiversity improvements extend beyond birds. She mentioned the return of Mediterranean monk seals, dolphins, sea turtles, and rare whales near Karaburun.

She also defended investments in Vlora. She compared conditions before and after 2013. She said tourism seasons were shorter in the past and economic opportunities were limited. However, she said public and private investment drove current growth.

Finally, she said Vlora has changed significantly over the past decade while still holding further development potential.

/a.p./