FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
For the first time in years, the diaspora did not return to Albania for vacation. Thousands of emigrants arrived in Tirana to join the 21st protest, sending a strong message not only to Edi Rama, but to the entire political class that has dominated the country for 35 years.
One of the most significant developments of the 21st anti-government protest was undoubtedly the entry of the diaspora onto the scene.
From London, Milan, Frankfurt, Athens and even the United States, Albanians who have been living abroad for years filled the boulevard of Tirana, turning the protest into the largest demonstration of strength this movement has known since its launch after the events in Zvërnec.
But the immigrants' message was not only against Edi Rama.
Calls against the entire political class were continuously heard from the protest podium, while the slogan "Rama in prison, Berisha in prison" became one of the strongest refrains of the evening.
" Citizens have a simple demand: Rama in prison, Berisha in prison ," declared one protester, adding that the movement's goal is to create a new, untainted political class.
For immigrants, the problem is not just the current government, but a political model that, according to them, has forced millions of Albanians to leave the country.
" Edi Rama will never forgive you for my mother's tears when you escorted us to Britain. You made a grave mistake because the diaspora is here. Rama resigns. Your time is up ," said a protester from London.
Another Albanian, who had traveled from Frankfurt to be at the protest, said that the reason for participating was the desire for younger generations not to be forced to leave as immigrants.
" We don't want them to end up as immigrants like us and we want to be able to return ," he said.
While an immigrant from Milan addressed the prime minister with a symbolic message.
" We are all the votes you stole in the diaspora here tonight ," she declared from the protest podium.
The massive participation of the diaspora was perhaps the strongest political blow of today's protest. For years, immigrants have been considered a reservoir of votes, remittances and support from afar. But tonight they emerged as political actors on the ground.
Amidst the red and black flags, calls for Rama's resignation, and rejection of traditional politics, the diaspora sent a clear message: discontent is no longer confined within Albania's borders.
And perhaps for the first time in many years, the anger of immigrants was not expressed from afar, but in the heart of Tirana, in front of the Prime Minister's Office. / Pamphlet
Lini një Përgjigje