TIRANA, Albania — October 21, 2026 — Mark Gjonaj, a former member of the New York State Assembly, has called on Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign, while announcing his immediate departure from the country’s Diaspora Coordination Council amid escalating protests and allegations of police violence.
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Mark Gjonaj condemns alleged police violence
Gjonaj said he had closely followed the demonstrations and was disturbed by police interventions against protesters, describing the reported use of force against civilians as disproportionate and contrary to fundamental rights.
He stressed that the government’s responsibility to maintain public order and protect property must not come at the expense of constitutional rights and citizens’ dignity.
“No government should allow its institutions to become a source of fear and intimidation,” Gjonaj wrote.
He called on the authorities to reduce tensions and stop indiscriminate use of rubber bullets, water cannons and tear gas. He also urged police officers to display clear identification while on duty and demanded independent investigations into allegations of police violence.
Resignation from the Diaspora Coordination Council
Alongside his call for Rama to step down, Gjonaj announced his immediate resignation from the Diaspora Coordination Council (KKD).
He had been part of the council since its establishment in 2018 and served as its chairman until 2025.
His decision adds another public voice from the Albanian diaspora to the debate surrounding the government’s handling of the ongoing demonstrations.
Call for a transitional government
Gjonaj also called for the formation of a transitional government to pave the way for reforms and respect the will of Albanian citizens.
His open letter combines demands for political change with calls for accountability over police conduct, emphasizing the need to protect fundamental rights as tensions continue in Albania.