Divjaka holds its 22nd protest against merger with Lushnja: “Mazniku persona non grata

Residents of Divjaka continued their protests against the merger of their municipality with the Municipality of Lushnja, marking the 22nd day of demonstrations against the proposed change to the administrative map.

During the protest, speakers listed the reasons why, in their view, Divjaka should continue to exist as a separate local government unit. They also addressed the area’s members of parliament and Municipal Council members, asking them to support the position against the merger with Lushnja.

Strong calls were directed at the Minister of State for Local Government, Arbjan Mazniku. Protesters demanded that Mazniku be declared “persona non grata” in Divjaka because of the role he allegedly plays in the territorial reorganization process.

The position of MP Erion Braçe was also commented on ironically. Residents recalled his previous statements in support of Divjaka and questioned the stance he currently holds on the future of the municipality.

After the gathering ended, protesters marched through the city’s streets, reiterating their opposition to the dissolution of the Municipality of Divjaka.

Residents announced that the protest would continue tomorrow, while calling on more residents to participate.

A banner bearing the logos of the civic movement had been placed in the square where the gathering took place. The same banner had also been seen the previous day at the protest in Tirana, where it had been put up by a group of young people from Divjaka.