Salianji accuses Rama of violence against protesters: Police are being used to protect his personal power

Former Democratic Party MP Ervin Salianji spoke out against reported violence against citizens during protests in Tirana.

In a statement to News24, Salianji said Prime Minister Edi Rama was trying to hold on to power by any means. He urged the head of government to go to the protesters and speak directly with citizens.

During the interview, the former MP cited cases of alleged police violence, focusing in particular on the young man who was shot in the eye with a rubber bullet.

Salianji said the prime minister was fueling the escalation for his own political interests. He held the government responsible for stealing from and impoverishing the country over the past 14 years.

According to Salianji, the government is in a difficult position and is responding increasingly harshly to protests, which he said shows it is in its death throes.

“For weeks, a manhunt has been underway to keep a few scoundrels in power, with citizens subjected to beatings and violence. A young man was hit in the eye. Everything is being done to hold on to power. Rama is trying to set all of Albania on fire for his own personal interests. This is Albania’s shame. His officials and ministers are nowhere to be seen. They have stolen from and impoverished the country for 14 years, and citizens can no longer tolerate it. This government is in its death throes and, like every regime nearing its end, is reacting in an extreme way, but the end will come quickly. If Rama wants dialogue, why doesn’t he go out into the square when the protesters are there and speak with citizens? The State Police are not paid to beat citizens and conduct manhunts,” Salianji said.