Albanian Democratic Party MPs to protest at the European Parliament
On October 23, members of Albania’s Democratic Party (DP) will hold a protest in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This marks the first time Albanian opposition deputies bring their grievances directly to the European institution.
Why is this important:
- International pressure: The opposition aims to raise awareness about what they call “political imprisonment” by Albanian authorities, targeting their leaders and MPs.
- Direct engagement with EU officials: During their visit, DP deputies will meet with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to provide their version of the political situation in Albania.
Context:
- Key Arrests: The protest follows the house arrest of former DP leader Sali Berisha on charges of passive corruption and the imprisonment of MP Ervin Salianji for making false statements. The opposition argues that these arrests are politically motivated and ordered by Prime Minister Edi Rama to suppress dissent.
- Escalating tension: Tensions between the opposition and government have heightened because of these arrests.
- On September 30, opposition MPs burned chairs in the parliamentary courtyard and disrupted proceedings, leading to a 40-day suspension of several deputies.
- The opposition also blocked sessions of Parliament, preventing Socialist Party members from entering plenary sessions.
- Protest strategies: A previous national protest on October 7 involved roadblocks and acts of civil disobedience. However, the rally, initially announced as a prolonged resistance, ended after three hours.
What’s next: Following the Strasbourg protest, DP leaders are expected to decide the future course of domestic protests, including possible mass demonstrations in Tirana. It is doubtful their protest will achieve any of its objectives given the fact that the justice institutions that investigated and arrested Berisha are one of the most important investments of the EU and US and enjoy their full support.
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