The citizens’ protest against the government and the political class enters its 102nd day today. Citizens are expected to return to the streets once again, while Tuesday’s events signaled a change in the way they are responding.
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In addition to marching, the protesters moved on to blocking Tirana’s major intersections and roads for several minutes, causing disruptions to road traffic.
Day 101 began with a gathering near Parliament, where the first plenary session of the new parliamentary session was being held. Tensions and clashes continued for more than two hours, while protesters threw eggs and tomatoes at several vehicles belonging to MPs and police officers.
After police intervened to clear the area near Parliament, the protest did not end. Citizens began marching through Tirana, changing their destination several times and stopping at intersections, where they temporarily blocked traffic.
The protest later moved toward the Tirana Police Directorate and Police Station No. 6, where citizens demanded the release of those taken into custody during the day’s incidents.
“You are not alone” and “Free the eagles” were among the chants of protesters outside the police station. Journalist Shpend Gashi was also released during the evening, while around 20 people were reported to have been taken into custody during the day.
Thus, day 102 begins after a protest that on Tuesday displayed a new dynamic. Scenes of tension near Parliament have been seen before, but the blocking of intersections and remaining in the streets for several minutes at a time represented a new element in the response.
It remains to be seen whether this strategy will continue today and whether day 102 will confirm the escalation of the protest witnessed the previous day.
