Following the student protests that made global headlines in December, Albanian students have announced they are set to protest again.
Yesterday, elected representatives from Universities all over Albania met in Korça to discuss the progress made on their demands. According to them, the government has failed to consider or implement most of the points that they had previously agreed on and as such, they have decided to protest this Wednesday.
The students were originally protesting against the educational reform policies of the Rama government as well as the introduction of fees to retake exams, pushing the costs up to as much as ALL 6000 (€ 500). As well as demanding this law was revoked, they also asked for a reduction in university fees, improvements of facilities at the dormitories and the universities themselves, and the addition of a student representative to the university board as is required by the Higher Education Law.
A few days after these demands were made, another 10 were added to the list.
- Providing all students with the mandatory student card within the 2018–2019 academic year;
- Increase of the 2019 education budget with 8% of the GDP;
- 30% university fee reduction for 2018–2019
- 50% university fee reduction for 2019–2020
- Free education for 2020–2021;
- Improvement of the dorm facilities of the Agriculture University of Kamza;
- Support for student activities and projects with a special faculty fund;
- Support for scientific research by students;
- Support for doctoral students through a fund for scientific research;
- Increase from 10% to 40% of the weight of the student vote for new rectors and deans, increase of student representation in the academic senate to 20%.
Whilst the decision regarding the exam fees was withdrawn, almost six months later, these demands have not been met, despite promises from the government.
One of the students commented to Fax News:
“We had a meeting attended by representatives from all the universities in the country and discussed the promises that have been made. During the discussions we found that most of our requests have not been implemented and fulfilled as we have been told they would be.”
“That is why we have decided that Wednesday’s protest will be held nationwide students. Those who are likely to go to Tirana will go there, while others go to the faculty courts. Korça students will also protest, and regarding the way they will be organized will be decided by another decision,” the representative added.
On Friday, the opposition parties also have announced another large protest that will take place in Tirana. They have been protesting against government corruption, allegations of vote rigging, and political links to organised crime since February. Also protesting on a daily basis in the capital are the residents of Astir whose homes are set to be demolished without compensation, and the Alliance for the National Theatre who are against its proposed and illegal development into towers.
For a full summary of the student action that took place in December, click here.
