Rama puts a 'price' on protests, "Le Monde": Fines for protesters demanding his removal

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama aims to toughen legislation governing demonstrations in the coming days, drawing inspiration from the French "violator pays" model, as rallies demanding his resignation, accompanied by vandalism, continue.

“Anyone who chooses to remain in a crowd” that commits violence and looting in public spaces or “hides their identity” will have to pay a fine of more than 500 euros, he declared in a video address broadcast live on social media on Sunday, October 25. This will apply to all types of gatherings “when they result in damage to property.”

Under this draft, the police will also be authorized to "restrict gatherings for up to 72 hours" in certain areas, "in the event of an immediate risk of violence," added the socialist leader, who has been in power since 2013.

This draft, which will be presented next week, also provides for "immediate compensation for small businesses" and a "suspension" or revocation of those who "encourage, organize or coordinate the participation of underage students in rallies."

Teachers have given their support to the demands of high school students, as part of the peaceful anti-government protest movement that has been ongoing since May in this Balkan country.

Since mid-October in the capital Tirana, protesters have regularly clashed with police and attacked government buildings during rallies against corruption and for better study conditions. Edi Rama, for his part, accuses foreign interference.

"Anyone who demands my resignation is mistaken in thinking that it can be imposed by force or in any other form, but I don't think that everything they say and demand is wrong," he said on Sunday.

Opposition leader Sali Berisha (Democratic Party of Albania, conservative) reacted during an online conversation with internet users, which was later reported by his party in a press release. When asked about the measures announced by Rama, he replied: "We citizens will not recognize any of these measures. We will stand strongly against them and we will give Edi Rama an equal chance, giving him what he deserves."

The prime minister's proposals also sparked reactions from several hundred protesters who marched again on Sunday in central Tirana to denounce, among other things, the cost of living, study conditions, and corruption. 

"Banning online accounts calling for protests, arresting people, etc., is like going back to the 1990s" and communism, when "people were afraid to speak out," said Frida, a 29-year-old web designer. "It's not normal for things to happen like this," she lamented.

The day before, during the latest demonstration, 23 people were arrested, according to police. 13 others are facing legal proceedings and 30 are "wanted." 

Source: Le Monde