The Albanian Urban and Intercity Public Transport Association have protested today in front of the Ministry of Infrastructure demanding the fulfilment of a number of demands. They then continued the protest at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Demands include a reduction of VAT to 0% for this year, the removal of excise duties on oil and fuel, and state subsidies due to empty seats because of the pandemic. They also asked that transport be free for passengers during the pandemic but the state should pay instead.
Public transport in Albania remains suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was supposed to start again on 15 June but has been pushed back due to an increase in cases. This has left bus and transport operators in limbo, unable to work.
“We just want a job…we have rent, electricity, water, credit. The government doesn’t help us, we have a lot of losses. We just want to work, nothing else” said one protestor.
The police were in attendance at the protest and asked citizens to disperse. The General Director of the State Police Ardi Veliu has ordered all police to not allow any gatherings or protests otherwise measures will be taken.
