Albania: Opposition rally in Tirana May 13

Event

Opposition parties in Albania, led by the Democratic Party of Albania (DP), have called for a major protest to take place in the capital Tirana on Saturday, May 13. The march will start at the DP headquarters and end at the Prime Minister’s office building. This protest is expected to be one of the biggest the country has seen in years. The risk of violence is relatively high, as tensions have risen significantly between the opposition and the government in recent months. Protests in other cities cannot be ruled out.

Context

Albania is currently in the midst of a significant political crisis. The opposition has demanded that the government form a caretaker cabinet to govern until national parliamentary elections are held as planned on June 18. The opposition has been boycotting parliamentary sessions since early February 2017, accusing the ruling party of corruption and of mishandling the country’s poverty crisis.

Advice

Individuals are advised to anticipate increased security measures, to plan for heavy traffic congestion in Tirana throughout the day, and to avoid the demonstration as a precaution.