Following Wednesday’s protests in Tirana due to the steep increase in prices for fuel and basic food items, Prime Minister Edi Rama issued a statement calling for Albanians to talk to each-other.
Hundreds of people gathered in central Tirana to protest against increased prices as the cost of Albanian fuel is currently the highest in Europe, despite Albania being one of the poorest countries. The hike in prices is due to the Russian war in Ukraine, but citizens say that high government taxes are unfair and they should not be forced to pay them, on top of increased market rates.
Rama announced on his Facebook page that there will be a chance for citizens to communicate with him at 18:30 today.
“Let’s listen to each other,” Rama said.
Other details about the initiative were not announced.
Meanwhile, President Ilir Meta reacted to the media about the situation. He said assistance for families is needed urgently to help them survive.
“In conditions when the prices of food goods are increasing abusively by at least 10% and the price of fuel by about 30%, how will 930,457 citizens with incomes below five dollars a day live and afford the high cost of basic products? Time to support these families and these citizens without delay! ” Meta wrote.
At the same time, a fresh protest erupted in Tirana today as firemen protested outside of parliament over low wages and poor working conditions. They said their salary has been reduced and they do not receive money for being on standby at night.
Ylli Hoxha, president of the Elbasan Firefighters Union told the media that he got just EUR 392 a month while not just fighting fires, but carrying out some medical assistance as well.
“We are protesting for our rights, for the night hours. WE demand our rights. We do not even take holidays,” he said.
Another firefighter said they had been threatened with losing their jobs if they went on strike.
Following yesterday’s protest where police arrested several protestors, the State Police said that citizens should not break the law.
“In some streets there were blockages of movement of vehicles and citizens as well as objections towards police who were on duty to ensure order and tranquility. The state police is on full alert to ensure order and peace and to protect citizens that protest peacefully without violating the rights and freedoms of others.”
The statement continues that the police will not hesitate to take action against any illegality and to prosecute those who act to the detriment of citizens.
