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Violent clashes in Albania as anti-govt. demonstrators protest cost-of-living crisis

Sunday, 13 November 2022 6:40 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 13 November 2022 7:33 AM ]

Supporters of the opposition party attend an anti-government protest in front of Prime Minister Edi Rama's office in Tirana, Albania, November 12, 2022. (Reuters photo)

Anti-government protesters and police have scuffled in front of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office in Albania's capital, Tirana, where thousands had gathered to protest against corruption, rising poverty and a growing number of people leaving the country.

The peaceful demonstrations that lasted three hours turned violent as protesters broke through police cordons around Rama’s office and threw red and black paint. Police arrested one protester.

The demonstrators were heard chanting and holding placards that read ''Albania is in danger."

"I came to protest because the people are in a very big crisis, salaries are very low, there is no economy at all, there are no young people in Albania, there are only old people left, all the youth have gone, all the people with education have gone abroad," protester Olsi Vata said.

"We came here to end this regime. It has brought people to such a point of degradation that they buy votes for 1000-2000 lek (8-18 Euro)," said another protester Muhammed Hyseni.

"We came to tell you: 'No, only by force,'" Hyseni added.

Former President and PL Chairman Ilir Meta said the word of the citizens is one law, one mission.

"You are the one who keeps this country alive with your efforts and sacrifices. You have the right to demand responsibility for everything from the government and every office in this country. You keep the government and the state afloat with the taxes you pay,'' said Meta.

There has been an eight percent price hike this year in the southeastern European country, especially for basic food and fuel, following the Russian military operation in Ukraine.

Rama says his Cabinet has kept inflation low compared with double-digit inflation elsewhere in Europe, and has noted that the government subsidizes electricity for families and small businesses.

The opposition supporters have also blamed Rama for the thousands of people who flee the country each year in search of a better life and opportunities.

"Just as 32 years ago, the world sees us as people (arriving in) small boats," said opposition Democratic Party leader, Sali Berisha, referring to the increasing number of Albanians reaching Britain.

He also urged everyone to join the demonstrations to shape the country's future.

Berisha who previously served as both President and Prime Minister, was barred in 2021 from entering the United States over alleged corruption. He denies any wrongdoing.

In May, the country is set to hold local elections.

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