Albania opposition protest sees tensions rise, crowds smaller than expected

Albania’s Democratic Party (DP) and its ally the Freedom Party (former Socialist Movement for Integration) led by former president Ilir Meta, launched a national protest today, which DP leader Sali Berisha called the start of a “civil disobedience” movement aimed at forcing Prime Minister Edi Rama to agree to a technical government. Despite the high stakes, the turnout was smaller than anticipated, and protesters quickly engaged in clashes with police.

Why it matters: The opposition’s protest, meant to mark a significant push against the government, has drawn attention for its quick escalation. Although the crowd was not large, tensions rose immediately, with some demonstrators attempting to provoke law enforcement.

Latest developments

• Molotovs and clashes: Protesters threw Molotov cocktails at the Council of Ministers, setting a tree on fire. Despite police calls for restraint, demonstrators continued to try to attack officers, making the situation more volatile.
• Smaller than expected crowd, aggressive actions: While the protest was expected to gather large numbers, the crowd was relatively moderate in size. Opposition leaders claim many supporters are late because they are stuck in traffic, which is ironic since blocking traffic was one of the tactics of the protest. This was also the reason for the late start of the protest. However, the aggressive approach toward the police has raised concerns about further escalation.
• Opposition leaders lead the crowd: DP’s Flamur Noka and Gazment Bardhi are spearheading the protest in Berisha’s absence. Ilir Meta of the Freedom Party also joined, presenting a united opposition, though it remains unclear if their movement will gain enough momentum.
• Heavy police presence: Over 1,000 police officers have been deployed around key government buildings to control the situation. Despite the smaller numbers, security forces are maintaining high readiness due to the violence seen so far.
• Protestors head for Skanderbeg Square: Following a short-lived confrontation in front of the Council of Ministers, the protestors led by the same DP leaders headed for Skanderbeg Square. It remains to be seen whether the next target is the Ministry of Interior of the Municipality of Tirana.

What’s next: The opposition has vowed to continue its campaign, but with lower-than-expected turnout, the effectiveness of their push remains uncertain. The protest could spread, but it’s clear the government is prepared for further unrest.