Opposition Democrats getting ready for Saturday protest

TIRANA, Nov. 20 – The main opposition Democratic Party of Tirana Mayor Lulzim Basha is preparing to hold a major anti-government rally on Saturday.
The protest rally aims to highlight the economic woes common Albanians are facing as a result of bad governance, according to the opposition.
Basha is making daily trips all around the country to attract supporters to the rally.
At the same time, certain trade unions are joining the protest.
Basha said the protest will be focused on the social and economic difficulties that Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government is creating for people. They say that poverty is coming back to the country, investors are leaving, and poor people are becoming poorer.
For the Democrats the rally is another test to see if they have regained any support after the major defeat they suffered in the parliamentary elections last year when someone million voters cast their ballots against them in a landslide move to end Prime Minister Sali Berisha’s eight-rule.
It also marks a test for the new leader and leadership of the Democrats to see the support they enjoy in the country.
Basha came to the helm of year ago after the resignation of Berisha, following the election defeat.
The Democrats held a similiar rally earlier this year, with attendance lacking the high number the opposition had hoped to see. They are now hoping to bank on those who have become angry with government action to collect electricity bills and demolish illegal constructions.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has said government actions would continue as they were the right things for the country, even if it costs him votes.
He said Albanians were better off without illegal construction, stolen electricity, worthless university diplomas and drug trafficking, all of which authorities have targeted since comming to power in 2013.
Saturday’s protest is being organized in every small detail by the Democrats and is to be held in front of the prime minister’s office.