Members of the main opposition party in Albania blocked key intersections in Tirana today as part of anti-government protests demanding the formation of a technocratic interim government ahead of regular parliamentary elections scheduled for next year.
During the first demonstrations after their leader Salji Beriša (80) was released from house arrest, supporters of the center-right Democratic Party defied the cold and rain and blocked traffic at five major intersections.
Demonstrators accuse the left-wing government of Prime Minister Edi Rama of being corrupt, manipulating the electoral process and usurping the powers of the judiciary.
Last month, Beriša was released from house arrest, where he was placed for disobeying a court decision. He was accused of corruption.
"With Rama, there are no elections. With Rama, you only have a fight for elections. The elections will never be boycotted. Our fight will not stop until Rama is overthrown," said Berisha.
State buildings were guarded by hundreds of policemen, who also regulated traffic.
After 90 minutes of blockades, the authorities began to push the protesters out of the intersections, which led to tensions and minor clashes.
Supporters of the conservative Democratic Party and the coalition around it held protests this year due to the arrest of Berisha and former state president Iljiro Meta. They are the targets of separate anti-corruption proceedings, and claim that the indictments are politically motivated.
The US and the European Union are urging the opposition to return to dialogue with the government, arguing that violence will not help Albania join the Union.
According to Edi Rama, Albania wants to join the Union by 2030.
The next parliamentary elections in Albania are scheduled for May 11, and Albanian guest workers will vote for the first time.
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