TIRANA – On 15 October, Speaker of Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi announced the postponement of the plenary session by one week due to the tense situation and acts of violence during protests across the country, it was reported by Euronews Albania.
The article notes that Peleshi called on political leaders and citizens to exercise restraint, reflect and engage in dialogue, stressing the importance of maintaining public order.
In addition, he expressed concern over the involvement of young people and minors in violent incidents, calling for them to be protected from hatred and confrontation.
“Our students will be the first generation of Albanians to enter adult life as Europeans, as part of the great family of the European Union. That is why the recent incidents of violence, arson and looting, which are deliberately being attributed to them, are causing great harm to all of us… As Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, as a citizen and as a student of the December 1990 movement, I call for restraint and reflection. Our society must pause and respond with one voice to keep minors and high school students away from violence”, Peleshi remarked.
Albanian President Bajram Begaj called on all parties to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from escalating further, Euronews Albania reported.
Begaj stressed that peaceful protest is a fundamental right, but violence must not be used as a means of expressing discontent.
He also expressed his willingness to listen to citizens’ concerns and urged everyone to act responsibly.
“At this moment, the country needs greater responsibility. The Constitution and the law must remain the boundaries for everyone, without exception. I remain ready to listen to all concerns. My office is and will remain open to every young person and every citizen who wishes to express their views, engage in dialogue, and contribute to the good of the country”, Begaj stated.
The OSCE Presence in Albania welcomed the message delivered by Albanian President.
“We share in the call for calmness and comprehensive dialogue and stand ready to assist in the facilitation of any such dialogue, if so requested”, the press release notes.
The current protests in Albania, building directly upon months of prior citizen-led “Flamingo Revolution”, primarily take the form of student-led rallies.
They were triggered by deep-seated economic grievances, skyrocketing higher education costs, deteriorating university conditions, a lack of financial support and employment prospects for youth, and widespread public anger over perceived high-level government corruption involving Prime Minister Edi Rama’s administration.
What started as peaceful assemblies earlier this week escalated into intense confrontations.
On 14 October, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Albanian Ministry of Education, throwing stones, breaking into the building to start a fire, smashing the fronts of local businesses, and setting fire to nearby financial institutions.
Riot police responded heavily with tear gas and water cannons, leading to dozens of arrests, injuries among both protesters and police officers.
