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Roundup: Albania's opposition continues protests despite int'l calls

Xinhua, March 3, 2017 Adjust font size:

The Albanian opposition leader Lulzim Basha declared Thursday at the tent set up in front of the Premier's office that the opposition wouldn't stop the protests and wouldn't go back to the parliament untill a caretaker government is formed.

"The opposition (Democratic Party) is on 13th day of protest and we are determined to stay in the street till the Prime Minister Edi Rama resigns and paves the way to the creation of the new government," Basha said.

Democrats, speaking from the tent, declared that an incriminated government couldn't oversee the judicial reform, reiterating their demand for a caretaker government as the only way to guarantee free and fair elections.

Basha stands firm in his position to continue the boycotting of parliament although the internationals have constantly urged opposition to go back to the parliament.

After the calls made by European Union officials Eduard Kukan and Johannes Hahn, even the EU and U.S. ambassadors to Tirana have claimed that the opposition should raise its concerns within the parliament.

Though they said that they respected the oppositions decision to protest against organized crime, drugs and many other issues concerning Albania at this moment, the opposition shouldn't boycott parliamentary work.

According to internationals, parties here should dialogue and not obstruct the vetting process and justice reform in general since such reform is seen as key to Albania's EU drive.

Meanwhile, the DP leader has toughened the tone against the government, saying that citizens would revenge for the bad things and unkept promises of this government.

He even called on citizens to break the tires, the windows of offices and revenge against the government officials.

For this reason, Albanian police pressed charges against Basha for inciting violence and breaking the constitutional order during his party-led protest.

On the other hand, Basha has made some bold promises, saying that DP-led government would increase pensions by 40 percent when in power.

He also vowed to revoke the law on higher education as well as many concessionary contracts, which, according to Democrats, were given to Premier's clientele.

The situation continues to be tense as the Democrats boycotted Thursday's plenary session again.

The EU top diplomat Federica Mogherini will visit Albania Friday, and she is expected to hold talks with main political leaders, encouraging them to find a way to resolve the situation. Endit