The leadership of Albania’s University Trade Union has unanimously decided to launch a teaching boycott at all public universities across the country in solidarity with students and school pupils taking part in protests.
The boycott is scheduled to begin today and will continue until further notice.
In its statement, the union said students had been protesting for months, demanding quality education, dignified healthcare, security for life and property, and accountability. According to the union, their demands have been met with silence and, since October 13, violence against demonstrators, A2 CNN reported.
University lecturers said they could not continue teaching as usual while their students were allegedly facing violence in the streets. They also raised concerns about political and economic developments, corruption, and the lack of meritocracy.
Union Demands Investigation Into Use of Force
The union has called for an immediate end to violence against students and peaceful protesters, as well as an independent and transparent investigation into the use of force since October 13.
It also demanded that those who ordered or carried out the alleged violence be held accountable, and that every student taken into police custody be treated lawfully and with dignity.
The union further called for the demands of protesting students and school pupils to be addressed.
Lecturers Urged Not to Face Disciplinary Measures
The union called on university rectors and higher education institution leaders to respect the boycott decision and refrain from imposing disciplinary measures on lecturers or students participating in the protests.
The statement stressed that the boycott should not be viewed as abandoning university classrooms, but rather as a form of protest in defence of students’ rights and dignity.
Daily Gatherings Planned in Tirana
In addition to suspending teaching, lecturers said they would actively participate in the protests.
They plan to gather every day at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Central Building of the Polytechnic University of Tirana to show their support for the students.
