Albanians continue to protest, demand Tirana mayor to step down

BELGRADE, Serbia

Hundreds of people gathered in the Albanian capital of Tirana on Friday to continue calling for Mayor Erion Veliaj to step down.

The protest was organized on the call of the opposition Democratic Party of Albania and the Freedom Party as well as civil society organizations.

They have been demanding the resignation of the mayor of Tirana over corruption allegations.

Dorjan Teliti, deputy mayor of the Tirana Municipality Council and an opposition representative, said in a speech to the gathering that they will not stop calling for Veliaj’s resignation.

Teliti said their resistance has now turned into a symbol.

Former Freedom Party MP Klevis Balliu said it is time to take charge of resolving their issues.

Protesters were seen throwing various objects at the municipality building during the protest.

Dozens of police officers were on duty at the protest, and the roads leading to the municipality building were closed.

The protests began in late March following the arrest of former municipal officials on charges of "corruption" and "refusing to declare their assets, concealing their assets, or making false declarations."