The street in front of Tirana city hall was filled with protesters again this week, marking the 42nd demonstration against Mayor Erion Veliaj. Opposition groups and activists are demanding his resignation over ongoing corruption allegations.
The protests kicked off back in April 2024, with critics accusing the mayor’s office of mishandling corruption cases, especially after arrests were made in the city hall last year.
‘We won’t stop!’
Protesters gathered outside City Hall, blocking traffic and chanting for Veliaj to step down. Dorjan Teliti, a key figure in the opposition, told the crowd, “This is protest number 42, and we won’t stop. Tirana deserves better leadership.”
Klevis Balliu, a former MP, said the protests are legal and peaceful. “The police should protect our right to protest,” he said.
Tedi Blushi from the Freedom Party also joined the rally, adding, “City Hall belongs to the people. We need to take a stand.”
Months of protests
The protests have been going on for months, ever since former city officials were arrested in March 2024 on corruption charges. The rallies have remained mostly peaceful, but some have led to scuffles with police.
Veliaj, however, denies any wrongdoing and calls the protests politically motivated. Opposition leaders insist it’s about justice, not politics.
