Rama says protest was taken over after coffin display

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the anti-government protest in Tirana has been taken over by forces that do not represent the people who first joined it.

Rama reacted after an empty coffin was displayed during the latest protest outside the prime minister’s office.

He called the scene sad and said protesters have the right to demand more from the country.

But Rama said the protest was no longer theirs.

He linked the coffin to September 14, 1998, when the coffin of opposition politician Azem Hajdari was taken to the prime minister’s office after his killing.

Rama said the new coffin display was being used by people who want to drag Albania back into its old political conflicts.

He accused political opponents and nationalist groups of trying to use a protest that began from genuine public concerns.

Rama said protesters should not give up their concerns, but should remember the country’s past.