TIRANA – Starting from Thursday the movement of people will be limited from 06:00 to 10:00 in the morning and 16:00-18:00 in the afternoon in Tirana. This state of curfew was announced on Wednesday by Premier Edi Rama who said that he was prompted to rule on that restriction to prevent further spread of the coronavirus epidemic.
According to the new restriction, the curfew will be in force every following day at the same hours until further notice. Rama used again the word ‘war’ to describe the situation in this Balkan country hit by Covid-19 virus which has claimed 2 lives and affected 59 people so far.
“Violators will be punished with 10,000 lek and they cannot benefit from the state package of solidarity,” said Rama who explained that even people found sitting in parks or other open environments in violation of the curfew will be subject to punishment.
The government head justified the new harsh measures as the only way to win the war against coronavirus. In his explanation of the new restriction Rama said there is no reason for anyone to go out of the house except for those working in the most vital sectors of country’s economy or those buying basic necessities as food and medicines. “Taking walks is not vital at this time of war, spending time in parks is unacceptable,” he said.
In another development, the head of the opposition Democratic Party (DP), Lulzim Basha unveiled other proposals on how to face the crisis caused by coronavirus. “Any measure proposed by us is realistic and applicable if there are good management, competence and transparency,” he said listing 8 proposals. According to him, the first task of the government is Albanians’ health and the economic support.
Some 120 million euros which go to oligarchs’ concessions should be used immediately for the social support, additional funds for the health sector as well as for fiscal and financial support for the businesses which have closed their doors.
Criticizing Rama’s performance, DP’s Basha reiterated that the country cannot be governed with jokes as they do not help to feed the people, to save businesses and recover the economy. The opposition head pledged to continue untiringly to call on the government to set aside the political fight for the sake of all Albanians./argumentum.al
