TIRANA, Albania — The ongoing anti-government protest in Tirana has entered its 92nd consecutive day, with citizens once again taking to the streets to protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government and what demonstrators describe as Albania’s political establishment, which they accuse of dominating the country for the past 36 years.
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Protesters Mock Rama’s “Besa” Message
One of the banners directly mocked Rama’s references to “Besa”, a concept deeply associated with Albanian tradition and honor.
The banner read:
“You with meetings in Lundër and endless luxury, the code of your ‘Besa’ is simply another deception.”
The message accuses the government of using political language and symbolism as a form of propaganda while, according to the protesters, members of the political elite enjoy wealth and privilege.
“The Republic Is Not Property”
Another prominent banner carried a short but direct message:
“The Republic is not property.”
The slogan reflects one of the central criticisms voiced during the protests: that political power in Albania has become excessively concentrated and that public institutions and national assets are being treated as though they belong to those in power.
Protesters have repeatedly raised concerns over government decisions involving public property, strategic investments, development projects and the management of national assets.
“13 Years of Betrayal”
A third banner delivered an even more confrontational message aimed directly at Rama:
“13 years of betrayal, and today you speak to us about virginity. Don’t sell us magic words; there is no whore with a faithful presence.”
The deliberately provocative language reflects the growing anger expressed by some demonstrators toward Rama, who has served as Albania’s prime minister since 2013.
92 Days of Continuous Protest
The 92nd day marks another milestone for a protest movement that has continued for more than three months. Demonstrators say their demands extend beyond opposition to the current government and encompass what they describe as a much deeper problem within Albania’s political system.
The protesters are challenging not only Edi Rama and the Socialist government, but also what they characterize as a political establishment that has dominated Albania for approximately 36 years, spanning successive governments and political generations.
The continuation of the demonstrations highlights the persistence of political dissatisfaction among a segment of Albanian citizens, despite the government's continued control of parliament and state institutions.
As the protest enters its 92nd consecutive day, the messages displayed in Tirana continue to combine political criticism, satire and increasingly harsh rhetoric, keeping the confrontation between demonstrators and the government firmly in the public spotlight.