After the statement of the minister, Ervin Demo, to the journalist of the investigative show Piranjat, there was no shortage of reactions.
During the interview, the minister, who is also the former mayor of Berat, responded to journalist Luela Gaxhja with the words, "You are very charming," avoiding her questions.
This moment was considered by the leaders of the Piranhas as an example of a lack of ethics and a clear form of sexism in the relationship between the government and the media.
"Is this the ethics that a minister should have? Or has sexism already become a normal part of communication in the Albanian government?" they asked publicly.
The latest reaction has come from the Albanian Journalists Association (AGSH), which strongly condemns the minister's behavior.
Their statement states that "A minister of the Albanian government should be an example of institutional and ethical respect towards media representatives, not an author of behaviors that undermine the dignity of female journalists."
AGSH demands that Minister Ervin Demo publicly apologize for this behavior, which, according to them, violates the image of journalists and the dignity of women in the media profession.
Full reaction of the Journalists Association of Albania
Regarding the sexist comments of the Minister of Local Government Ervin Demo towards the journalist Luela Gaxhja
The Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) condemns the inappropriate attitude of the Minister of Local Government, Mr. Ervin Demo, towards the journalist of the investigative show "Piranjat", Luela Gaxhja, to whom, during a question on a matter of public interest, he addressed the words: "You are very charming."
This comment constitutes unacceptable sexist behavior, which tends to shift attention from the journalist's professional question and reduce her role in the field. An Albanian government minister should be an example of institutional and ethical respect for media representatives, not the author of behaviors that undermine the dignity of female journalists.
AGSH recalls that any form of sexist or humiliating treatment of female journalists is contrary to ethical standards, Council of Europe standards and Albania's commitments to gender equality and media freedom.
We call on Minister Demo to publicly apologize to journalist Luela Gaxhja and to reflect on his language and behavior in relation to the media. We also call on state institutions to respect the role of journalists as controllers of power and guarantors of transparency.
