Massive protest rally hopes to reboot opposition action

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times July 7, 2022 22:28

Massive protest rally hopes to reboot opposition action

Story Highlights

  • The protest focused on perennial themes of ills in Albania -- corruption, poverty, depopulation and bad governance. 

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TIRANA, July 7, 2022 - Albania’s opposition has held the largest protest rally since last year’s general election, hoping to reboot its action after several electoral defeats and disarray in the leadership.

The rally was called by Sali Berisha, the former prime minister who is now officially back at the helm of the main opposition Democratic Party after nine years. 

DP was joined by the Socialist Movement for Integration, the country’s third largest party, several other smaller parties and members of the civil society. 

The protest focused on perennial themes of ills in Albania -- corruption, poverty, depopulation and bad governance.

Berisha accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of acting like “an enemy” of Albania, promising the protests would not stop until Rama is no longer prime minister.

"Edi Rama, from this square, on behalf of the Albanian citizens, I appeal to you, to stop the thievery and go away,” Berisha said. “Albania is in danger because its future is in danger. A nation that gives birth and raises children to become migrants, is a nation without youth, without a future. Rama and the policies he has followed have led to the departure of 540,000 Albanians from the country in five years.” 

Representatives from across Albania took to the podium to address key themes, and called for non-stop protests, while often praising Berisha for bringing the protesters together. 

In addition to Rama, Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj was the focus of much criticism, as the opposition prepares for administrative elections next year.

Analysts pointed out that the main message of the protest was a show of force, with attendance being higher than any the opposition has had in a long time, and especially coming in the middle of a summer heatwave.

But the protest also comes at a time of growing discontent as a series of scandals involving corruption tied to government officials are combined with large increases in cost of living and economic uncertainty.

The protest was peaceful and no incidents were reported, concluding about two and half hours after it started.

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times July 7, 2022 22:28