The anti-government protest movement in Tirana entered its 110th consecutive day on Thursday, with demonstrators changing the usual format of the rallies and taking their protest directly to the Albanian Parliament during the morning plenary session.
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The change brought protesters and police into a tense confrontation around the Assembly building. Police established a security perimeter and blocked access to the Parliament, while protesters gathered outside and repeated demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Reports also documented clashes and the detention of several protesters.
Among the chants heard from the crowd were “Arrest Rama,” “Your time is over” and “Criminal government.”
After the confrontation near Parliament, demonstrators dispersed into different parts of Tirana before regrouping later in the day.
Protesters March to Police Station No. 1
The most tense developments came in the evening, when protesters marched toward Police Station No. 1 in Tirana, where people detained during the day's demonstrations were being held.
The crowd gathered outside the police station and called for the release of the detained protesters. Media reports said that around 25 people were being held at the station, although the number of detainees reported during the day varied as police actions continued.
Protesters accused the authorities of unjustly detaining participants and demanded their immediate release. Among the slogans reported outside the station was:
“Arrest Edi Rama, release the citizens!”
Police significantly increased their presence around the building as the crowd gathered, amid concerns over a possible escalation.
The evening march followed the protesters’ return to the streets after the morning confrontation outside Parliament. The 110th day of demonstrations has therefore developed into one of the movement’s most active days, with protesters moving between Parliament, central Tirana and the police station.
A Protest Movement Entering Its 110th Day
The demonstrations have continued for 110 consecutive days, with organizers maintaining their demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government.
Thursday’s events marked a departure from the recent pattern of evening gatherings outside the Prime Minister’s Office. Instead, protesters sought to bring their action directly to Parliament while lawmakers were holding a plenary session.
The confrontation with police, the reported detentions and the subsequent march to Police Station No. 1 have added a new dimension to the latest phase of the protest movement.
Organizers have indicated that demonstrations will continue in the coming days.