Saying he was inspired by the "French model of 'who breaks - pays'", Edi Rama presented a series of measures during a video speech, broadcast live on social media on Sunday morning.
“Anyone who chooses to remain in a crowd” that commits violence or looting in public spaces or “conceals their identity” faces fines of up to 5,000 euros, he said. This would apply to all types of gatherings “when they result in damage to property.”
Under this plan, police will also be allowed to "restrict gatherings for up to 72 hours" in certain areas, "in the event of an immediate risk of violence," added the Socialist leader, who has been in power since 2013.
The text, which is expected to be presented to Parliament next week, also provides for "immediate compensation for small businesses" and the "suspension" or dismissal of those who "encourage, organize or coordinate the participation of underage students in rallies."
Teachers have expressed their support for the demands of high school students.
The capital Tirana has been the scene of violent demonstrations since October 13, an escalation in a protest movement that began in May against a real estate project in a nature reserve linked to Donald Trump's son-in-law.
Thousands of people, including young people, participated to denounce poor study conditions at universities, corruption, and demand the resignation of the head of government.
Return to communism
For his part, Edi Rama denounces foreign interference. "Anyone who demands my resignation is mistaken if they think it can be imposed by force," he declared on Sunday.
These announcements did not discourage several hundred protesters who marched in the heart of the capital in the afternoon. Two pensioners, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed their "concern" about these blatant "violations" of human rights.
"Why should parents pay for their children's actions when the Prime Minister is not responsible for the members of his government," asks one of them, who says she receives a pension of 180 euros.
"Censoring online accounts calling for protests, arresting people... it's like a return" to the communist years before 1990, said Frida, 29.
The opposition also criticized the tougher stance envisaged by the socialist Prime Minister.
"His group of proposals aims to suppress demonstrations and control social networks," Democratic Party deputy leader Belind Kelliçi told AFP.
These maneuvers to "undermine" freedom of expression and assembly "violate fundamental rights and contradict the values of the European Union," of which Albania aspires to become a member, he said.
On Sunday evening, several clashes broke out between protesters and security forces near the government headquarters.
A day earlier, according to police, 23 people were arrested. 13 others are facing legal proceedings and 30 are "wanted."
In total, since mid-October, authorities report more than 300 injuries and the same number of arrests. ©Translated by LAPSI.al
