Albania: Opposition protests planned in Tirana June 2 /update 14

Event

Lulzim Basha, the president of the opposition Democratic Party (PD), is calling for further demonstrations in Tirana on Sunday, June 2, to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The rally is scheduled to begin at 19:00 (local time) outside of the prime minister’s office. Previous protests have also taken place near the parliament building. Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are expected around all demonstrations. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out. Similar protests are possible in the capital over the coming days and weeks.

Context

Opposition supporters have been holding regular demonstrations in Tirana in recent months, which have sometimes turned violent. Security forces used water cannons to disperse demonstrators near the parliament building on May 25. The opposition leaders are demanding fresh elections and call for the departure of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Prime Minister Rama and his party have been accused of manipulating the results of the 2017 parliamentary elections, corruption, and having links to organized crime.

Advice

Individuals in Albania, particularly in Tirana, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.