Albania’s Ombudsman, Endri Shabani, was in Vlora on Friday to present the Ombudsman’s 2025 Annual Report. Speaking to the media, Shabani said the purpose of the institution’s visit was to hear citizens’ complaints and concerns firsthand.

According to Shabani, the majority of complaints in Vlora relate to property issues and their administration. He noted that many of the grievances involve the State Cadastre Agency and said the Ombudsman’s Office will investigate every case involving alleged abuse of office, unlawful property transfers, and other citizens’ complaints.

Shabani stressed that the Ombudsman’s primary role is to protect citizens’ rights and serve as a mediator in addressing their concerns and resolving complaints.

Asked by journalists about the ongoing protests, Shabani said the Ombudsman cannot take a position on the protesters’ demands. Instead, the institution’s responsibility is to identify cases where citizens’ rights have been violated or where public institutions, including the State Police, have failed to fulfill their legal responsibilities.

Regarding negative online reviews posted on business profiles, Shabani said he did not have sufficient information to comment on the issue. However, he added that if citizens’ right to freedom of expression is found to have been violated, the Ombudsman’s Office will launch an investigation and issue an official response.

The presentation of the Ombudsman’s 2025 Annual Report in Vlora was attended by senior local government officials and members of the public.