Tirana, October 20 (Albania Journal) – The Trade Union of University Employees of Albania (SPUSH) on Tuesday began a peaceful march in support of students who have been protesting in Tirana for seven days, demanding changes and accountability from the government.
University professors and students gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana before marching towards the Prime Minister’s Office under the slogan “Stop Violence Against Students”.
University professors also launched a petition calling on the authorities to listen to the students’ demands.
Speaking to students and academics, SPUSH President Aleksandër Kovaçi said the government had failed to respond officially to the union’s demands, which had been raised since March this year.
“The government, despite the demands we have made as a union since March this year, has not deigned to respond officially,” Kovaçi said.
“This is a government that does not listen. Since it did not listen to the students or the movement that began on May 31, when it does not respond to peaceful protesters, you should expect angry protests,” he said.
Kovaçi said a solution was urgently needed after months of protests and a lack of response from the authorities. He called on political leaders to address the situation and act on the five demands put forward by the protesters.
“As was also emphasised during the four-month movement, which was not heard by the other side, today we are in a situation where a solution is needed. This solution must come from politics. If politics is not capable, it should make way for the five demands we have presented and a political solution,” he said.
Kovaçi stressed that university professors stood with the students and called for daily gatherings at 10 am outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana.
“We call on parents to support the protest of their children, the Albanian students and pupils,” he added.
Commenting on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s invitation to hold talks, Kovaçi said the government should focus on resolving the students’ concerns.
“Resolve the problems with the students. We are with the students, there is no communication with the professors,” he said.
A group of students also joined the professors’ protest outside the Prime Minister’s Office on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard.
The youth-led protests entered their eighth day on Tuesday. Clashes during the demonstrations have left protesters and police officers injured. Minors, journalists and bystanders have also been among those hurt.
Earlier, SPUSH issued a public statement expressing concern over the situation surrounding the student protests, which have continued for seven days, and condemning what it described as police violence.
