Thousands demonstrate against Albanian government

Tens of thousands of opposition supporters protested in front of the Albanian government building on Friday, demanding a rerun of last year’s general election. Several MPs have started a hunger strike.

AFP

"The time of the resistance has come. This is a great battle and we are determined to pursue, whatever sacrifices are demanded from us," Socialist leader Edi Rama told the crowd.

His party has brought government to a virtual standstill since last June’s poll, boycotting parliament and calling for a new election.

The Socialists also accuse Prime Minister Sali Berisha’s Democrats, who are supported by the Socialist Movement for Integration, of plunging the country into economic crisis.

The prolonged protest has harmed Albania’s bid to join the European Union, which was launched a year ago.

The government insists that both local courts and European organisations have declared last year’s election legitimate.

But the Socialists, who returned to parliament in February but still refuse to take part in votes, say that it has proposed a compromise, including a parliamentary inquiry into the election.

The opposition “wants to demonstrate its strength to public opinion but also to Europe” Socialist former Finance Minster Sherif told RFI.

Twenty-two MPs have launched an indefinite hunger strike and tents have been erected to accommodate them.

The protest came the day before a government-sponsored May Day concert for “Albanians who have all reasons to celebrate”.