Following a statement by Prime Minister Edi Rama attributing plastic pollution primarily to citizens’ behaviour, investigative journalist Klodiana Lala raised concrete, well-documented questions about the functioning of the incinerator and institutional responsibility for waste management.
In his subsequent response, the Prime Minister did not address these questions with facts or institutional clarification. Instead, he used dismissive and delegitimising language, referring to “ignorance,” “lack of ethics,” and “disinformation,” without responding to any of the specific claims raised.
The issue is not polemic or disagreement with a critical position, but the fact that criticism of those in power is treated as a moral failing of the journalist rather than as a legitimate part of public debate.
When the Prime Minister, from a position of power, generalises and discredits the role of journalism instead of providing accountability, attention is diverted from issues of real public interest toward attacks on those asking questions. This weakens public debate and risks normalising pressure on journalists, particularly women journalists.
