Tens of thousands of supporters of the opposition Democratic Party rallied in Tirana against tax and electricity price hikes by the centre-left government of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The protestors rallied in the capital on Saturday, holding banners denouncing the government’s tax policy and hikes in electricity prices and university enrolment fees.
The head of the opposition Democratic Party, Luzlim Basha, told supporters in a fiery speech that the government’s promised reforms in education, health and economy had failed to materialise, while accusing the centre-left ruling majority of trying to create a police state.
“Poverty and a police state is not an option,” Basha told supporters.
“Don’t play with the future of Albania, because the people gathered here in this square want jobs and dignity,” he added.
Saturday’s rally was the largest held by the centre-right Democratic Party since it lost elections in June 2013, a signal that the government’s austerity measures are creating discontent among some Albanians.
The government has announced a number of tax hikes on products like petrol and cigarettes in the 2015 budget, in order generate fresh revenue and rein in the budget deficit.
A proposed hike in the price of electricity for household consumers has been particularly unpopular.
Basha told the rally that the 2015 budget was not in the public’s interest.
“The country is in recession and the recession was caused by the government. A tax increase is no solution,” he said.