TIRANA, May 27 – The protests called on Saturday night by the Albanian opposition took place peacefully, except for a few minutes of tension near the parliament, where protesters halted after their stay in front of the government building.
While previous anti-government protests were dominated by explosives and smoke bombs being thrown to the government building, Saturday’s protests were mostly characterized by symbolic elements.
Initially carried baking pans with the inscription “Rama GO,” which were then filled with fake money that stood for government corruption, as well as projections on the walls of the Prime Minister’s Office of anti-government slogans.
As it got darker, the protesters lit up balloons bearing the words “GO” directed towards Edi Rama and released them above one of the capital’s main boulevards.
Head of opposition Lulzim Basha repeated in his speech what the opposition has been essentially calling during each protest of the last three months, since it resigned the parliament collectively.
“Today’s battle is for Albania, today’s battle is for Europe. The Albanian people, the European people in this square and everywhere are determined for political solution. It will pass only through the removal of the causer and the hijacker of democracy,” said Basha.
According to Basha, citizens’ protests gave a clear message that now “is the chance for the political solution of the crisis. Pity for whoever reads it as a sign of weakness, because we are stronger than ever. Freedom or death! Democracy or death! Let this be the prelude to happiness in solving this crisis, through the dictates of Europe’s norms and principles. Without any compromise on Euro-Atlantic principles and norms. Let’s be the prelude to the political solution to open the way to Albania like all Europe.”
In the speech held at the close of the protest, in front of the DP’s headquarters, Basha was more direct, saying that Saturday’s message is the clear and straightforward message to friends and allies and to the foes and enemies of democracy, that the opposition is ready to sacrifice everything for the free vote, being a people of Europe, and that it won’t accept the anti-European despotism of a bandit government that has hijacked the country, seized justice, and blocked the journey to Europe.
“So let the following hours and days be a day of deep reflection for those who think they can continue to hijack the people, the government of this country, for those who think they will slay democracy, as this will not happen, our strength is union, determination, resistance, our strength is the confrontation and confrontation will exist until we win this battle,” he concluded.
The stop in front of the parliament was accompanied by moments of tension, while a group of protesters removed the metal fence at the entrance. A small fire was ignited and some strong items were thrown in the police direction, while the police water hose was put into use for only a moment. DP Secretary General Gazmend Bardhi intervened to quiet down the protesters, while Basha returned to the headquarters of the DP.
The international community once again preceded Saturday’s protest with a call for peace and against violent acts.
The US Embassy said through a statement that both protest participants and law enforcement officials should stay away from violence.
“Encouraging physical collisions or throwing explosive devices, Molotov bombs and stones is undemocratic and illegal. Those involved in acts of violence commit a crime and should be put in front of responsibility,” the announcement said.
On the same line was the European Union Delegation and embassies of EU member countries. “We condemn the acts of violence that have occurred in the previous protests and call on the protest leaders and the Albanian authorities to ensure that today’s demonstrations are conducted in a regular and peaceful manner. All parties involved have the responsibility to guarantee the safety of those on the streets of Tirana tonight. There is no room for violence in a peaceful protest. Law enforcement authorities have the responsibility to act with restraint, even if provoked,” noted the statement.
Call for peaceful demonstrations also came from the top OSCE leaders who reiterated the stance on the violent protests of May 11, stating that “violence is unacceptable and that riots can not replace democratic political engagement.”
Meanwhile, the EU and US diplomatic delegations called on the parties for a “constructive dialogue aimed at finding a way out of the current political situation as an urgent manner.”
Earlier on Saturday, President Ilir Meta also addressed the opposition, pointing out “how important it is to be completely peaceful. In previous protests, despite civic support, some acts of violence are unacceptable, so I would like to remind you that the justice of your cause should not be affected by the unresponsive actions of certain individuals. It is the responsibility of the leaders of the United Opposition for the continuation of the protests where they invite the citizens to participate.”
