Revenge, not resistance: Berisha punishes Albanians for ignoring his protests

Sali Berisha has found a way to take revenge on the residents of Tirana and Albanians in general for boycotting his protests. Since they refuse to heed his calls for civil disobedience, leaving his rallies sparsely attended, Berisha has resorted to provoking them by blocking traffic.

On Monday evening, around 100 Democratic Party supporters obstructed five main intersections in Tirana, aiming to create traffic chaos. However, this effort largely failed. Traffic was paralyzed for a few hours, and entry into the city was blocked only temporarily.

This, however, is not a protest by the people—it is a protest against the people. It is not a revolt of citizens against political power but rather the outburst of a failed politician against the citizens. Instead of expressing popular frustration toward the government, it has sparked frustration against those blocking traffic, who call themselves protesters.

Berisha may harbor resentment toward Albanians, who have left him politically sidelined for years, likely sealing his career's decline. With little regard for their problems, he has decided to disrupt their lives as a form of revenge. By causing chaos in their routines, he seeks to make them pay, even if only for a few hours a day.

While the police must respect the opposition's right to protest, it also has a duty to protect citizens' freedom of movement. Warnings of potential criminal prosecution for road blockages fall under judicial authority, but it is the police's responsibility to keep roads open.

The officers stationed at intersections during Berisha's protests should establish safety corridors to ensure traffic flow. If protesters resort to violence against the police, a proportionate response is necessary to safeguard citizens' rights.

In democratic nations, balancing the right to protest with the right to free movement is a complex task. In Albania, however, the majority represent citizens seeking normalcy, while only a handful align with Berisha's loyalists.

Monday’s event was not a legitimate protest but an act of aggression toward Albanian citizens. The police must protect Tirana residents’ rights just as much as it protects the opposition’s right to protest. Berisha’s inability to organize meaningful demonstrations is not Tirana's problem.

In the morning, Berisha shared images of massive protests in Serbia; by evening, his own protests barely attracted 100 supporters. While he may sympathize with Serbia, such admiration alone cannot translate into effective political movements. To organize impactful protests, Berisha would need the support and trust of Albanian citizens—a trust he seems far from earning.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "Një hakmarrje ndaj qytetarëve që e kanë braktisur"