FLASH
Shkruar nga Lutfi Dervishi
Instead of protesting about blocking the roads, by blocking the roads, the opposition risks turning even those it could have allies into opponents. Repeating the protest without bringing anything new diminishes its importance...
Except for the rain, the same scenario: The opposition announces the day and time of civil disobedience. Five main traffic junctions in Tirana are blocked for three hours.
Actors: The same protesters.
Objective: Technical government.
The result: Roads blocked by rain and permanent traffic, minor clashes with the police, frustrated drivers and fiery headlines.
Civil disobedience, when well organized and supported by broad public opinion, has served these three decades as a powerful mechanism for change. However, in this case, it seems that the opposition is not getting where it aims, because there does not seem to be popular mobilization. (See the participation in protests these days in Belgrade or Georgia and make a comparison).
The biggest debates here have long been about participation in the protest. The call was for participation from all over Albania, but blocking the roads with a small number of protesters does not convey the message of strength.
Traffic is a headache for each of the 800,000 people living in Tirana. Even more so during the holidays. Instead of protesting about blocking the roads, by blocking the roads, the opposition risks turning even those it could have allies into opponents. Repeating the protest without bringing anything new dilutes its importance.
On the other hand, the actions of the police add to the theatricality of the event. The lack of clashes emphasizes the formal aspect of the protest. Both sides seem to be doing the "job".
Civil disobedience means knowingly doing something against the law and facing the consequences. Therefore, when the leaders of the opposition call on the police to do their duty, they should bear in mind that this means that they have the courage to face the law.
Instead of blocking streets that are almost blocked, the opposition can organize more visible and efficient protests in public spaces. It can also block the offices of the ministries, it can make creative protests, marches or symbolic installations that can attract attention without turning it away and above all, without angering the public.
Successful civil disobedience movements often involve a wide range of actors, students, workers, intellectuals, artists, etc.
Without making its cause more inclusive and tangible, the opposition may increase the number of protests, but not the number of protesters
It has been more than 11 years since the citizens have seen what the government has to offer. Now is the time for the opposition to offer an alternative.
This means a front as wide as possible, avoiding internal conflicts and resonance with people's problems.
Protests are a piece of oxygen for any democracy, but their effectiveness depends on being in tune with the public.
The path to change is not through blockages, but through ideas, togetherness and a clear and tangible vision.
The opposition still has time to decide whether it wants to be remembered for its blockages or for the paths it opens towards a better life for Albanians.
We would all like this second one, whoever the opposition is!
Lini një Përgjigje