TIRANA, Albania (AP) — The opposition in Albania staged a protest on Saturday against the government’s decision to ban TikTok, labeling it as censorship in the lead-up to the May 11 parliamentary elections. Last week, the Albanian Cabinet announced the temporary shutdown of TikTok for 12 months, citing concerns over the platform’s role in inciting violence and bullying, particularly among children. The center-right Democratic Party urged citizens, especially young people who are the primary users of TikTok, to rally against what they see as a corrupt government attempting to control the flow of information. Party leader Sali Berisha emphasized the need for citizens to stand up against censorship and corruption.
Hundreds of Democratic protesters gathered outside the main government building in the capital, Tirana, chanting slogans such as “Democracy” and Berisha’s name. Signs reading “Censorship, corruption, not TikTok” were prominently displayed. The protest, led by young supporters, concluded peacefully after an hour. Berisha, addressing journalists after the event, reassured that TikTok would be reinstated on May 12.
Albania is set to hold parliamentary elections on May 11, with expatriate voters able to cast their ballots from abroad for the first time. Current polls indicate a strong lead for the governing Socialists, who are vying for their fourth consecutive term since 2013. Meanwhile, the opposition Democrats have faced internal discord following travel bans imposed by the U.S. in May 2021 and the U.K. in July 2022 on Berisha and his close associates over alleged corruption ties. The divisions among senior Democratic leaders have splintered opposition support, with many forming their own parties.
Berisha, who was released from house arrest in November after breaching a court order, denies corruption charges against him, attributing them to political motives. Talks between Tirana and the EU are ongoing, focusing on issues such as the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, foreign policy, security, and defense. Prime Minister Edi Rama aims to conclude negotiations by 2027 and secure EU membership for Albania by 2030.
