Democratic Party MP Albana Vokshi, head of the parliamentary committee on culture and media has raised the issue of the National Theater’s imminent demolition during a discussion at the European Parliament.
During a European Parliament discussion regarding cultural heritage, Vokshi stated:
The main reason that I requested to speak is this building, located in the center of the city, built by famous Italian architect Giulio Berte, that has served, for 80 years, as our National Theater.
We are currently in the third week of a protest. The artist have protested every day in front of the theater, because the government seeks to tear it down.
We want to protect this building from the government, who has decided to demolish it and give the land it rests on to a private company so it can build skyscrapers.
Vokshi appealed to the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, and to the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, asking them to pay attention to Albania’s cultural heritage:
I am asking you to rescue this building, and to pay more attention to countries like Albania, regarding projects for the preservation of cultural heritage, for linking the past with the future.
Find further information regarding the Rama government’s draft law for demolishing the National Theater and giving the land to the private company Fusha shpk here, here, and here.
