The journalist of News24, Osman Stafa, gave a speech to thousands of citizens gathered on the boulevard, challenging skepticism about the country's future. He stressed that the massive presence of people in the protest is the best proof that Albania has hope for change. Stafa made strong accusations against the government for the way it responds to the real concerns of citizens with propaganda and external justifications, while prices and corruption are weighing down daily life.
"They told us that this country is not being built, but this image here shows the opposite. This country is being built! Is there corruption in Albania? Is there healthcare? Oil prices are skyrocketing. How will we live? We say there is no healthcare, they say Iran. We say there is no education, they say Soros, we say there are no salaries, they say Greek... No, no, they are afraid, they are in panic that when the people take to the streets, there are no more mandates!"
During his speech, the journalist focused on the painful contrast between the lack of basic conditions in hospitals and the government's staggering spending on luxury items. He emphasized cancer patients, who remain without treatment, while Albanian taxes are spent on satellite TVs or gardens in government buildings.
"There are no medicines in hospitals, no equipment. Cancer cannot be cured without equipment and medicines! Meanwhile, this state spends money on the Garden of Eden in the prime minister's office with 4.3 million euros from our taxes and cancer patients have no medicines. We have launched two satellites and the patients have no medicines. This is our reality and there is someone responsible! Do you know that an orphan in Albania receives 15 thousand lek per month, while luxury, 10 thousand euros to wash cars in a month here!"
In closing his speech, the journalist pointed out Albania's democratic impasse, comparing the lack of political rotation to the dynamics of democratic states like the U.S. He emphasized that during his lifetime, while the world has moved forward, power in Albania has remained hostage to a very narrow circle of individuals.
"They say why now? It's been 36 years? Since I was born, 7 US presidents have changed, while here only two individuals."
