Translated from Albanian · Original article in Albanian →

After 137 days of protest, violence, clashes and a youth demanding to be heard, the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, has finally reacted.

Yes, yes, Albania has a President! And not only that: the President is apparently even willing to listen to citizens’ concerns.

The news arrived today, as students faced off with the police amid tensions on the streets of Tirana. The head of state recalled that peaceful protest is a foundation of democracy and that the police must act within the limits of the law.

137 days of protest to get noticed. That, it seems, is how long it took the highest institution of the state to discover that citizens have concerns and that the Constitution is not just a book for official ceremonies.

The President declares that his office is open to every young person and citizen who wishes to engage in dialogue.

How nice! Now only one small question remains: if the office is open, where has the President been all these days?

In a country where citizens expect an institutional response, the Presidency offers us a willingness to listen. At a time when young people take to the streets to demand change, the highest institution reminds us that it exists.

At least today we have one piece of good news: Albania has a President. For the next reaction, we hope we will not have to wait another 137 days.

Pas Perdes — because sometimes the biggest news is the news that should have been delivered long ago.