On February 20, the Democratic Party will once again call for a national protest against the government and Prime Minister Edi Rama. The news was announced by the leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, from the blue headquarters, presenting this date as a decisive political moment for the opposition.
Berisha emphasized that the choice of February 20 is not accidental, but carries historical symbolism: on the same date, in 1991, the bust of dictator Enver Hoxha was toppled in Tirana, an act that marked a turning point in the country's democratic movement.
"This will be our day, the day of victory for the Democratic Party. Honor to all the protesters. Victory," Berisha declared, signaling that the opposition aims to turn the protest into a broad political mobilization.
Meanwhile, in parallel with these announcements, the strong tensions recorded in front of the Parliament have left behind a heavy toll of damage and injuries. Clashes between protesters and police resulted in a high number of injured officers, while journalists and cameramen reporting from the field have also been put at risk.
One of them, cameraman Aldo Kashri of News 24, seriously endangered his life after his clothes caught fire after a Molotov cocktail was thrown. He managed to escape thanks to the intervention of several citizens who helped him put out the fire.
DP MP Bledion Nallbati was also injured and was taken to the University Hospital for treatment.
The most tense moments were recorded in front of the Parliament building, where police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Clashes, smoke and chaos created a grim scene, bringing back scenes similar to previous opposition protests.
In this climate of tension, the protest announced for February 20 is expected to be another strong test of the relationship between the opposition, the government, and the institutions of order.
