After months of repeated demands from the opposition to report on the handling of protests in Tirana, Director General of the State Police Skënder Hita appeared on Monday before the Committee on Internal Affairs, where discussion of the 2027 draft budget was accompanied by accusations and political clashes.
Although the opposition had persistently sought his presence since the protests began on October 13, only two of its MPs attended the meeting: Isuf Çela of the Democratic Party and Erald Kapri of the Possibility Party. During the discussions, MP Isuf Çela raised concerns about the use of force by officers against protesters, demanding accountability for incidents recorded during gatherings.
“What are the concrete steps regarding acts of violence by officers against protesters? Who gave the order for RENEA to go out into the field with weapons and surround the Prime Minister’s office? You are Director of the State Police, not Edi Rama’s director. For everything I have said, I publicly demand your resignation,” the MP declared.
Hita, for his part, defended the police’s actions and presented photographs of officers injured during the protests, which, he said, had not been made public before. He described the situation as an unprecedented attack on the “blue uniforms,” citing the use of Molotov cocktails and stones by protesters.
“Regarding the injury of protesters, I would not wish for anyone to be injured on either side. The police were on duty to secure the gathering and found themselves under an unprecedented attack. Some police officers have been seriously injured, with broken noses and broken skulls. I have brought photos as well,” Hita said.
Another issue raised in the committee was the use of new equipment during the recent protests, including water cannon trucks and drones deployed over protesters. MP Erald Kapri called for transparency regarding how these assets were procured and the costs they have incurred for the state budget. “In managing the protest, we have noticed the addition of several pieces of equipment that have been used: four new water cannon trucks, drones over the heads of protesters, from which tear gas bombs were dropped. How much have you spent on this equipment, on purchases?” Kapri asked.
In response, the head of the State Police stated that the equipment had been provided by partner countries and had not burdened the state budget financially. “For the vehicles, zero leks from the state budget. The police use all the special equipment they have in use, which is based on the laws: special vehicles, water cannon trucks, drones, which are used during protests. The trucks have been taken into use,” Hita explained.
Beyond the debate over the protests, the committee also discussed funds allocated to the State Police in the 2027 draft budget. According to Hita, 3.3 billion leks have been earmarked solely for employee salaries, while a considerable salary increase is expected to take effect from January 1. For 8,174 employees holding the rank of Inspector, who make up 73% of ranked personnel, an increase of 20,000 leks is planned. The draft budget also includes funding for the construction of a new building for the Tirana Police. Earlier, in the same committee, representatives of the Police Oversight Agency and the General Directorate of Prisons also reported.