FLASH
Shkruar nga Arben Malaj
How is it possible to embrace a harsher capitalist model, one that bases development on dazzling advertising and consumer manipulation, pushing them to buy more than they need and enter impoverishing cycles of debt?
It is alarming to see that almost all passenger bus stations in Tirana have been transformed into billboards - profit-making abominations for the largest telecommunications companies, banks and retail companies.
Instead of serving to inform citizens about public transport lines, schedules, and destinations, these stations have been occupied by commercial interests.
Mr. Prime Minister, has any anti-corruption structure intervened to investigate whether this deformation of the destination of public space/bus stations is a consequence of incompetence, greed, or – worse yet – a combination of both?
How is it possible that we ourselves, as citizens, but also you, as decision-makers, accept being treated like second-class citizens?
How is it possible to embrace a harsher capitalist model, one that bases development on dazzling advertising and consumer manipulation, pushing them to buy more than they need and enter impoverishing cycles of debt?
In the absence of fair competition and transparency in the market, the citizen loses.
Forced consumption, inevitable debt, and constant manipulation are the consequences that are costing our society dearly.
Who do these advertisements that have taken up every square inch of bus stops serve?
Citizens or private companies?
In stark contrast, the bus station in the first photo is in Amsterdam, clean, functional, and equipped with clear information for every traveler. Only one advertisement with no more than about 20 percent of the total area of the station.
Only public service and respect for the citizen.
For comparison:
???? Amsterdam has about 921,000 inhabitants.
???? It hosts over 22 million tourists annually,
However, it is not covered by advertising.
There is no occupation of public space at the stations.
Tirana, with around 600,000 inhabitants, is flooded with billboards in stations, buildings, sidewalks and even very close to the facades of public institutions.
The best way to improve our daily lives is to be critical and active citizens against everything that is done wrong.
Silence is complicity.
Protecting public space is a civic duty.
Tirana is not for sale!
Lini një Përgjigje