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World-famous singer Dua Lipa has brought her stance on recent developments in Albania back into the spotlight, republishing on Instagram Story a portion of an episode of her Service95 Book Club podcast, where Albanian writer Lea Ypi was a guest.
The conversation took place within the framework of the promotion of the autobiographical book "Free", while the discussion also expanded to the current situation in Albania, the protests for the protection of protected areas and the relationship between economic development, the environment and political accountability.
At one point in the conversation, Dua Lipa says:
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 to us 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 actually 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 disturbing is the principle that the government can just 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 described the situation as an example of the relationship between the political and economic elite, emphasizing that, despite the formal existence of democratic mechanisms, the influence of oligarchic groups remains strong.
Dua Lipa: Yeah, 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.
During the discussion, Dua Lipa also focused on the name that protesters have given to the movement, underlining the importance of holding politics to account.
Dua Lipa: I also like that it's called the 'Flamingo Revolution.' I also think that it 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 bigger picture, '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.
Following the conversation, Lea Ypi praised the protests as an example of the power of civic engagement.
Dua Lipa: I think it's a really inspiring example of what citizens can do and how no government can afford to completely ignore that.
While Dua Lipa closed the discussion with the conviction that lasting changes must come through institutions that truly represent citizens.
Dua Lipa: Yeah, it's interesting. I guess it has to change from within the system, you know, in a way that really supports people and gives people a real voice.
The podcast episode was republished by Dua Lipa herself on Instagram, once again giving international resonance to the debate over the protests and legal changes that have sparked reactions in Albania.
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