Tirana protests: Rama says he comes from the protesters’ side, risked his life for free speech

Prime Minister Edi Rama, during his speech at the Euronews 2026 Tourism Summit in Brussels, spoke about the protests taking place in Tirana, also commenting on singer Dua Lipa’s support for the rallies. Rama said he is proud of Dua Lipa just as she is proud of the protests taking place in the country.

He added that Dua Lipa is a singer and not the Pope. Rama also added that he does not agree with the Pope on some things either. As for the protests, he stressed that he was a protester himself in the past and that he risked his life for free speech.

“She is proud of the protest, I am proud of her. It is ideology when you say either development or conservation. Dua likes protest, I love Dua very much. She is a singer, she is not the Pope. I like the Pope, but I don’t agree with everything the Pope says.

Ten years ago it was more likely that protesters would be killed on the boulevard where they go out every night. I have had to live with the loss of the lives of people who went out to protest with me.

I myself come from the protesters’ side, I have really risked my life for free speech. And I would tell myself: ‘You are on this side, but they always have a reason.’ It is tempting to say that whenever protesters take to the streets they are right and the government, when attacked, is wrong.

This saga will end brilliantly for both sides. If science says it should not be touched… it is not a personal battle. We will publish everything we have and the mirror will include everything new,” he said.