Oct 25, 2024 – Protests in Tirana against Mayor Erion Veliaj are intensifying, with demonstrators denouncing alleged corruption within the Municipality. This marked the 30th rally, driven by opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Party of Albania (PD) and the Freedom Party (PL), alongside civil society activists.
The latest demonstration took place outside Tirana Municipality offices, where speakers from various opposition factions expressed their commitment to instigating change in both the city and the nation. Dorjan Teliti, Deputy Chairman of the Municipal Council and a member of the PD, emphasized the protest’s significance, declaring, “We will make Albania a European country, so let’s stand together towards victory.”
Klevis Balliu, a senior democrat official, called for continued demonstrations, stressing the need for accountability regarding the law and justice in Albania. Meanwhile, Belind Kelliçi, another democrat official, said that efforts to suppress opposition voices would ultimately fail.
The protests follow the arrest of several former officials from the Tirana Municipality in March on charges of “passive corruption of persons exercising public functions” and various asset declaration violations. The general secretary of the Freedom Party, Tedi Blushi, joined the rally, voicing solidarity with the demonstrators.
To ensure the event’s peaceful progress, authorities deployed numerous police personnel outside the City Hall. Fortunately, the demonstration unfolded without incident, in contrast to previous protests that had witnessed clashes with law enforcement.
