BIRN has announced the people of the year for 2023. For our country, they have chosen to announce the medical students, for their 4-week protest, all gathered with a single goal.
The students got together and "overthrew" the law to stay in Albania 5 years after graduation because otherwise they would not receive the diploma.
This was considered a communist law by foreign countries and was not approved.
From Turkey to Italy, from Greece to Moldova, the year 2023 was full of events. But even in difficult times, there are always individuals and organizations that make a difference through their actions. BIRN presents some positive examples.
Some gave help to those in need at a difficult time, such as this year. Others challenged controversial decisions … and succeeded. Others literally saved lives through smart moves.
Countries in Central and South-Eastern Europe are ending another eventful year in which several people and organizations made their mark through tireless and inspiring actions.
Albania: students challenge law that aims to limit their rights
Some time ago, the Albanian government, through an unusual law, prohibited medical students from leaving the country for five years after completing their studies.
The students protested, boycotted the academic year and took the case to the Constitutional Court, which has suspended the law until a final decision.
"The protest started on June 20. Since that time it has not stopped, because the protest is not just a gathering in the square, we have gathered, we have protested, we have boycotted the school, we have met the President... We have tried to be everywhere," Dea Guri, one of the students who protested against the law.
"It was very tiring for us to protest at the peak of the heat, at 40 degrees, it was also the exam period, the summer season. But we all found time to protest, react and gather. And then we came back with a four-week boycott. It has been a very intense and tiring period," she added.
In July, Prime Minister Edi Rama submitted the 5-year ban himself, wanting to send a "message" by presenting it.
"Every medical student who enters the University of Medicine must first be familiar with the fact that medicine has as many years of study as there are, and then to be equipped with a diploma, they must spend five years in the service. of this people", said Rama.
But many education experts have opposed this idea, saying it would not be productive, considering it a "communist law".
Another student who has also protested against the law, Rei Haluli, told BIRN:
"It was one of the most beautiful experiences I've had, because we all came together and had a goal. When the law was approved, we stayed until the early hours of the morning, we wanted to speak in parliament, as an interest group, it's the most normal thing, but they didn't allow this," said Haluli.