They are accused of corruption, but they protest against it...

2026-03-22 16:20:00, Opinione Ardi Stefa

They are accused of corruption, but they protest against it...

There is a paradox that only Albanian politics knows how to produce with great finesse: those who are accused of corruption take to the streets to protest against corruption. Those who are accused of defending corruption speak out against it more.

Not at all as an act of repentance, not at all as reflection, simply as a narrative as a spectacle to deceive the followers. Fixed as an absurd theater where the actors play the victim, while the audience should applaud, not question.

You hear those who speak and protest and you think: finally, awareness! But when you turn your head and the camera approaches, the faces are familiar. They are the same ones who yesterday signed tenders, who today call them "affairs". They are the same ones who when they were in power called transparency a luxury, while today they demand it as a denied right. They are the same ones who yesterday signed shady contracts and today give speeches against darkness. They are the same ones who yesterday kept their mouths shut, while today they shout from stands and microphones. A "moral rotation" faster than any political rotation.

They are masters of an old craft: They shout "thief!" loudly, so that the voice of conscience, if any trace of conscience remains, is not heard.
Their protest is not a revolt, it is an alibi and a way to escape accusation. A photo for the public, a shield for the investigation.

Protests and criticisms against corruption become a means of washing one's image. A public detergent for private stains. Followers hold slogans against corruption, but the hands they hold are tired hands.

Irony? No, this has long since passed into cynicism. Because these people are no longer ashamed of anything. On the contrary, they use it as a strategy. The more accused, the more zealous you are in shouting against corruption. The more involved, the more revolted you can appear on screen.

Corruption is no longer a problem to be fought, but a narrative to be used. Whoever is best at shouting “Catch the thief!” wins a round in public opinion, a little more political longevity.

So, we no longer have a war against corruption. We have a competition among the corrupt to see who can best play the role of the honest one. Unfortunately, the one who lies best often wins.

This situation is a moral and political degradation. Corrupt people who go unpunished, but who have the courage to sell themselves as saviors and often find zealous followers.

A vicious circle: they accuse, deny, protest, return, and then are accused of accusing again. Recycling not only of the figures, but of the hypocrisy itself.

And the public? Protesters and the public are invited to choose: either forget, or applaud.

Unfortunately in Albania, memory is the main enemy.
If you remember, you see the farce and maybe react.
If you forget, you become part of it.