TIRANA, Feb. 18 – Arrests and exchange of political comments have followed the opposition’s anti-government rally that took place in front of the prime minister’s office on Saturday, Feb. 16.
Head of the opposition’s Democratic Party Lulzim Basha said he will propose opposition MPs give up their parliamentary mandates, as this was, according to him, the message of the protest on Saturday.
According to him, the protest clearly supported the opposition’s request for a transitional government, preliminary elections and a legitimate government.
Basha said the Democratic Party will no longer be the facade of a parliament appointed by elections that were supported by crime.
“This is no way to carry on, the cup is full and is dripping, the knife is already touching bones and the time for words is over,” Basha said.
Concerning his proposal to give up the opposition’s mandates, the Socialist Movement for Integration party’s reaction is expected, as the second largest opposition party has formerly spoken against this idea, as well as the reaction of smaller opposition parties.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama said the opposition is following a “blind political method” that harmed Albania’s image in the eyes of the world and gave things to talk about to those who oppose Albania’s EU accession.
Tirana police announced on Monday morning it has so far arrested fifteen people following the opposition protest for “opposing police,” “destruction of property,” “disturbance of public order” and “assault on duty.”
Thousands of opposition supporters participated on Saturday at the anti-government rally organized by the opposition in front of the prime minister’s office, but nobody was seriously injured at its aftermath.
However, right before the speeches began, police did clash with irritated protesters, who sought to enter the prime minister’s office.
The 15 individuals arrested so far mainly come from mid-Albania, while police are looking for seven others, while five citizens were proceeded in free state.
