PM Edi Rama Refuses to Stand Down – Accuses Opposition of Escaping from Justice Reform

Tirana, Albania | Tirana Echo – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has refused to stand down accusing instead the opposition democrats of organizing protests in order to block the Vetting process and escape justice.

“Citizens have a full right to protest against the government, they also have the right to demand the departure of this government. But if the tent which resulted from the protest, serves as a protection shield from justice reform and to protect the ‘hostage takers’ of justice from the vetting process, then protesters will be the cheated ones from their demonstration leaders” – said Rama.

Speaking during his weekly communication online, Rama said that justice reform has to do with the will to build state institutions in the country, while those who captured the justice system for 25 years will no longer be able to accuse each-other of immorality.

While calling the protest an alibi of those who seek to delay the reform of the justice system, PM Rama pointed out that there can be no demand for free and fair elections when the opposition has abandoned the electoral reform committee in parliament.

“It sounds ridiculous that they protest against the government demanding free and fair elections. Who is against free and fair elections? Does aynone have any concrete proof? No. Has any international referee such as the OSCE or any other partner country expressed concerns that there may be attempts to manipulate elections? Absolutely not.” – said Rama.

The Prime Minister insisted that his government will continue to work to the end of this mandate by focusing on continuous reforms, and that his party will seek another mandate during the June 18th general elections.

However, the opposition which enters its second night of protest in front of the PM Office, has said that there will be no elections with Rama and Prime Minister while today they suggested that they will boycott parliamentary life.

Earlier today, while talking to protesters in Tirana, DP Chair Lulzim Basha said: “There will be no fake elections, no manipulated elections. There will be free and fair elections, or no elections at all. Free and fair elections only through a technical government. This is the condition. The Fake Justice is the project of Edi Rama“.