Violent Clashes Continue Between Protesters and Police in Albania

Violent clashes between security forces and protesters occurred for the seventh consecutive day in Albania. Demonstrators accuse Prime Minister Edi Rama of corruption and rigging elections.

Vatnikaj, a participant in the protests in Albania, stated that the day was spent trying to coordinate, evade the police, and check on family members and friends. Although disturbed by the violence, Vatnikaj argued that the police initiated and fueled this situation, stating that the public has no other way to seek respite.

Stating that one million people have been forced to leave the country in the past decade, the protesters voice that they are being robbed, marginalized, and subjected to violence. Responding to a question about what would happen if Prime Minister Rama resigned over the weekend, Vatnikaj noted that they need a technocratic government for a year to prepare the country for democratic elections. Furthermore, he accused Rama of collaborating with wealthy foreign investors and organized crime groups.