TIRANA, March 19 – The main opposition Democratic Party of Tirana Mayor Lulzim Basha has held daily protests in front of the parliament’s offices following a large rally last week, demanding the resignation of Parliament Speaker Ilir Meta.
The Democrats say Meta must resign to be fully investigated following accusations by an MP that Meta had hired an assassin to kill two lawmakers.
Prosecutors are investigating the claims by MP Tom Doshi, who was expelled from the governing Socialists last week, shortly before making the accusations, that he and an opposition Democrat lawmaker were targets of the alleged plot.
Doshi claims Meta had offered 600,000 euros ($636,000) to someone to carry out the killings.
Meta has denied the allegations. Following the recent claims from Doshi, Meta even suggested Doshi’s mental capacities be checked by a doctor.
Democrat leader Lulzim Basha has also accuses Prime Minister Edi Rama of involvement in the affair.
The political drama comes ahead of Albania’s municipal elections scheduled for June 21,ar and a half ago.
The in a first test for the government that has passed tough reforms since it was elected a ye Albanian opposition announced it will organize protests every Thursday before the parliament calling for resignation of the parliament speaker.
Basha also made a quick trip to Germany where he met with senior officials of the governing political party there to mainly discuss his claim on Meta.
Scores of Democrat supporters gathered at the parliament offices asking for Meta’s resignation every day.
The Democrats have also said they will hold another big rally on March 22 to celebrate their coming into power 23 years ago following the fall of the communist regime.
