Albania's anti-government protest movement entered its 56th consecutive day on Saturday, as hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Skanderbeg Square before marching toward the Prime Minister's Office, renewing calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign and for early, free elections.
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Protesters Reject Government's "Besa" Initiative
The latest rally came just days after Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced the "Besa" platform during a meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, describing it as an effort to establish a new relationship between citizens and public institutions.
From the stage before beginning their march, protesters dismissed the initiative, arguing that the government had already lost public trust after nearly two months of daily demonstrations.
According to organizers, the movement's demands remain unchanged: the resignation of Prime Minister Rama, the formation of a transitional government, and the organization of free and fair elections.
March Toward the Prime Minister's Office
Following the gathering in Skanderbeg Square, demonstrators marched through central Tirana carrying Albanian flags, banners, and placards while chanting slogans including "Arrest Rama" and "New Albania."
Participants repeated calls for the protests to continue every evening until political change is achieved.
One protester told local media:
"We must march every night. This government has to fall."
Another demonstrator argued that the government had failed to respect fundamental human rights, particularly regarding property disputes and local governance.
"Nothing has been done for Albanians. Fundamental human rights have not been respected. Even property rights have been violated. This movement belongs to the youth, and Albania deserves free elections," he said.
Criticism Over Theth and Corruption Allegations
During the demonstration, a young participant criticized the prime minister's recent statements regarding Theth, claiming that the government's visit there was primarily a publicity exercise.
He also alleged that corruption and criminal influence remain serious problems in Albania, although these allegations have not been independently verified.
The Flamingo Revolution Continues
The protest movement has increasingly become associated with the Flamingo Revolution, a citizen-led campaign that has organized demonstrations both inside Albania and across Europe through the Albanian diaspora.
In recent weeks, diaspora groups have staged rallies outside Albanian embassies in several European capitals, expressing support for demonstrators in Tirana and demanding greater government accountability.
Large banners displayed during Saturday's gathering referenced several controversial issues that organizers say have fueled the protests, including:
- Alleged police violence against protesters.
- The Zvërnec development controversy.
- Laws concerning protected areas.
- The Mountain Package legislation.
- Strategic investment policies.
- Alleged lack of transparency and accountability in government.
One of the banners featured the image of an elderly woman being forcibly removed by police during a previous protest outside Parliament, an incident that protesters cited as evidence of excessive use of force.
Demonstrations Continue
Saturday's event marked the 56th consecutive day of anti-government demonstrations in Albania, making it one of the country's longest-running sustained protest movements in recent years.
Organizers have pledged to continue gathering daily until their political demands are met, while the government has maintained that it remains committed to its reform agenda despite the ongoing demonstrations.