The Union of University Employees of Albania (SPUSH) has called for a solidarity march in support of protesting students, scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana, as student demonstrations enter their sixth consecutive day.

In a public statement, the union expressed deep concern over the situation surrounding the protests and condemned what it described as police violence against demonstrators.

SPUSH said it had supported the students since the beginning of the demonstrations and was closely monitoring the authorities’ handling of the unrest.

The planned march aims to demonstrate solidarity with protesting students and oppose police actions against them, according to the union’s announcement.

The call for mobilization comes amid growing public debate over the government’s response to the student protests and the handling of demonstrations by law enforcement.

963 Academics and Public Figures Sign Declaration

Meanwhile, a day earlier, 963 university lecturers, academics and representatives of public life signed a five-point declaration outlining demands for political change and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

The signatories called for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the establishment of a caretaker government, and respect for fundamental rights and civil liberties.

The developments highlight mounting pressure from sections of the academic community and public figures as the student demonstrations continue.

SPUSH’s solidarity march is expected to bring the university community into the broader debate over the protests, police conduct and the country’s political situation.