TIRANA, October 21/ATA/-The University Employees’ Union continued its peaceful march today in support of students, who have been protesting in Tirana for eight days against the political class and for better educational and living conditions.
Lecturers and students gathered in front of the Polytechnic University of Tirana and proceeded with their march—under the slogan “Stop the violence against students”—toward the Prime Minister’s Office. From the windows of the Polytechnic University, lecturers and students unfurled a white banner reading: “Long live free youth; down with ‘Katowice’—today, we decide!”
Afterwards, the protesters marched toward the Prime Minister’s Office, where chairs—placed there as an invitation for dialogue with the protesters—were once again overturned.
The lecturers’ boycott continues today; Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the Lecturers’ Union, stated to the media that the Union’s leadership voted unanimously yesterday to initiate a boycott across all universities in the country, in solidarity with the students.
According to him, this boycott begins today, October 21, and will continue until further notice.
Outlining the reasons for the Union’s decision, Kovaçi stated that, “Students are protesting for education, healthcare, accountability, and more.”
Furthermore, the union’s demands include a guarantee that no disciplinary action will be taken against any academic staff member who participates in the protest.
“We will return to the lecture halls only once the students receive the response they deserve. This is not merely a boycott; it is an act of joining the students in their protest. Every day at 10:00 AM, we will take part in the march and the protest,” Kovaçi stated.
Further on, he said, “When we speak of the students’ demands, we are referring to the resignation of the Prime Minister—that has been their demand.”
The academic staff also demand an end to violence against protesters, respect for citizens’ rights and a public response from the diplomatic missions in Tirana. /k.s/p.s./
