TIRANA, May 15 – Dozens of young members and supporters of the Forum of Young Democrats tried to block Prime Minister Rama’s entry in the city of Shkodra where he was invited to attend a meeting with young voters.
Protesters blocked the road at Buna Bridge which marks the entry point to Shkodra. They chanted “Rama Go” as the Prime Minister’s escort vehicles approached the bridge.
Dozens of police forces were deployed rapidly and dispersed the crowds, allowing the entry of vehicles to the town. Police officers accompanied Rama to his meeting with young voters.
Shkodra is one of few remaining Democratic Party strongholds, and the largest city to have Democratic Party mayor.
Earlier during the day, municipal police and state police officers in Shkodra clashed after supporters of Socialist Party attempted to erect a large tent in front of the Municipality Building which would be used as a meeting point between Rama and young voters.
Municipality officials and employees had picked up the same spot for a local event to mark International Family Day.
Municipality police officers said that the setting up of the large tent was illegal since the organizers of the rally did not receive any permit.
The Shkodra Mayor and Democratic Party representative Voltana Ademi said that the clash between police officers was provoked by Prime Minister Rama. She added that Rama’s supporters had received the permit to organize their meeting in front of the Prefecture building and not of the Municipality office.
Prime Minister Rama responded to Ademi’s statement saying that “the Mayor considers each of my visits to Shkodra an act of provocation.”
“She mocks Shkodra and people who voted for her. I used to be a mayor, but if it were me I would not hire Voltana even if she would want to be a storekeeper,” Rama concluded.
Rama’s comments drew condemnation from the Democratic Party, urging the prime minister to apologize to the mayor.
