World-famous singer Dua Lipa and Albanian writer Lea Ypi discussed current developments in Albania during a conversation within the Service95 Book Club, where the focus was on Ypi's autobiographical book, "Free".

"We cannot talk about the history of Albania without talking about today's Albania," says Lea Ypi during the conversation, emphasizing that the country's past and present are inseparable.

In the discussion, Dua Lipa and Lea Ypi also touch on the protests taking place in Albania, talking about the tension between development and environmental protection, as well as the importance of holding those in power accountable.

According to them, civic engagement can bring about political change, while the people who are fighting to shape Albania's future can serve as inspiration for other movements in the future.

The conversation took place as part of the promotion of the book "I Lirë", where Lea Ypi recounts her experience of growing up in Albania during and after the fall of the communist regime, connecting it to the challenges the country still faces today.

dIALOGUE
Dua Lipa: We can't talk about the history of Albania without talking a little bit about today's Albania. And I'm sure a lot of people listening will have heard about all the protests that are happening right now. And I have to say, I find it very inspiring to see how much people really care. You know, day after day, they're taking to the streets because the government has opened up this part of a beautiful nature reserve for a luxury coastal development. And of course, this has been a big story internationally because the company that invested in the project is partly owned by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. But what I really find troubling is the principle that the government can simply change the law to remove environmental protections without any kind of public consultation. And I imagine you have a lot to say about that too.

Lea Ypi: Yes, I think it's kind of an interesting example of the collusion between this economic elite and the political elite, and also an example of how we have, technically, democracy and we have technically equal voice of all citizens. And technically we have these mechanisms of democratic legitimation, but in reality we also have an oligarchic elite, whether it's international or domestic, that just keeps politicians in its clutches. And for me, the protest was also one of the most inspiring examples of civic activism that I've actually seen since the fall of communism.

Dua Lipa: I also like that it's called the "Flamingo Revolution." I also think that this has, you know, some connotations of beauty and I think that determination is important. And I think, as you're tracking, there's such a big difference in the way people are protesting and how they're approaching this situation. And it's important to hold politicians accountable and say, "Okay, who is this really helping?" You know, in the grand scheme of things, "Who is this serving? How is this making our country better and how are decisions going to be made in the future?" I think it's incredibly important.

Lea Ypi: I think it's a really inspiring example of what citizens can do and how no government can afford to completely ignore this.

Dua Lipa: Yeah, it's interesting. I suppose it has to change from within—within the system, you know, in a way that really supports people and gives people a real voice.