While citizens and members of civil society have taken to the streets of Tirana for the third consecutive day to oppose the construction project in Zvërnec, environmental activists are denouncing a situation of complete lawlessness on the ground.
Invited to the show "Studio24", activist Zydjon Vorpsi has reacted to the statements of Prime Minister Edi Rama. According to him, the institutions are playing a double game, inviting the parties to dialogue about a project that officially claims is not on the table, while heavy machinery has surrounded the protected area.
Vorpsi stressed that the civic movement cannot accept discussions with the government as long as the Zvërnec habitat is being interfered with with ecological violence without any transparent procedure.
"The Prime Minister says let's have a dialogue, but we demand the removal of the barbed wire, trucks and excavators that have been there for a long time and are without a permit. The habitat is being destroyed. One time he says there is no project, then he says let's talk. They are two parallel worlds. We are in a situation of lawlessness where the authorities should remove the vehicles. The Prime Minister says it will be a nice investment, let's talk, but there is no project. It's a big mess," declared the activist.
The biggest concern raised by Vorpsi is related to the blatant violation of legal procedures. He recalled previous statements by the Minister of Environment, who had justified herself by saying that the 3D images or renderings published in the media did not constitute an official application.
"The machinery was brought in without a consultation process, without discussion. A project was announced, but there are legal procedures that are being followed. The Minister of Environment previously said that since the renders are published, this does not mean that there is an official project. They have said that no project has been brought to their table. This continues to be said, but in the meantime the machinery was brought into the area! This was denounced like any other illegality," concluded Vorpsi.
