Albania’s opposition staged protests on Saturday against the government’s decision to ban TikTok, accusing the move of being a form of censorship ahead of the May 11 parliamentary elections.
The Albanian Cabinet had decided last week to block TikTok for 12 months, citing concerns over the platform’s role in inciting violence and bullying, particularly among children.
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The centre-right Democratic Party urged citizens, especially younger users who are the main demographic of TikTok, to “protest against a corrupt government that aims to control the information available to the public,” according to its leader, Sali Berisha, on Friday.
Hundreds of Democratic Party supporters gathered outside the government building in the capital, Tirana, chanting “Democracy” and Berisha’s name. Many held signs reading: “Censorship, corruption, not TikTok.”
Only young party supporters delivered speeches, not senior leaders or Berisha himself.
The protesters accused Prime Minister Edi Rama and his Socialist Party Cabinet of corruption, electoral manipulation, and overstepping judicial powers.
The protest ended peacefully after an hour.
“TikTok will return on May 12,” Berisha told reporters following the demonstration.
Albania’s parliamentary elections will take place on May 11, with voters abroad being allowed to cast ballots for the first time.
Recent polls suggest a strong victory for the ruling Socialists, who are aiming for their fourth consecutive term since 2013.
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The opposition Democrats have been divided following internal conflicts after the US and UK governments imposed entry bans on Berisha and his close family members in 2021 and 2022 due to alleged corruption.
Many senior Democratic leaders went on to form their own parties, splitting opposition support.
Berisha was released in November after serving 11 months under house arrest for breaching a court order. Though charged with corruption, Berisha claims the charges are politically driven.
In October, Albania began EU accession talks covering issues like the rule of law, corruption, foreign policy, and defence. Rama has expressed hopes of completing the process by 2027 and for Albania to join the EU by 2030.