FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Një emigrant shqiptar që jeton prej vitesh në Gjermani ka tërhequr vëmendjen gjatë protestës së sotme, pasi nga foltorja ka lëshuar një apel të drejtpërdrejtë për kreun e Partisë Demokratike, Sali Berisha.
Teksa u prezantua si emigrant nga Bulqiza, ai tha se ishte bashkuar protestës jo vetëm për veten, por edhe për familjarët që nuk kanë mundësi të jenë të pranishëm në tubim.
“Jam nga Bulqiza, prej disa vitesh jetoj në Gjermani. Protestoj për veten. Por dhe për nënën time, 85 vjeçe, që nuk merr pjesë dot në këtë protestë”, u shpreh ai.
Më pas emigranti i drejtoi një thirrje të hapur Sali Berishës, duke kërkuar largimin e tij nga drejtimi i Partisë Demokratike si një hap përpara ndryshimit politik në vend.
“I them Berishës; të lutem, jep dorëheqje si kryetar i PD. Ik ti i pari që të të ndjekë dhe tjetri. Nëse e do me të vërtetë këtë protestë. Nëse e do që Shqipëria të bëhet mirë, ik ti i pari”, deklaroi ai.
Gjatë fjalës së tij, emigranti u bëri thirrje edhe ambasadorëve të vendeve të Bashkimit Europian që të mbështesin protestën dhe t’u bashkohen qytetarëve në shesh.
Deklarata e tij u prit me reagime nga pjesëmarrësit në tubim, ndërsa mesazhi për Berishën u veçua si një nga qëndrimet më të drejtpërdrejta të artikuluara deri më tani nga folësit e protestës, duke kërkuar ndryshim jo vetëm në qeveri, por edhe në opozitë.
A resident of Rrjoll joined the protest held on "Dëshmorët e Kombit" Boulevard this Monday, where he shared with the protesters his concerns regarding the situation in the coastal area of ââShkodra and his opposition to the Bashkim Ulaj resort project that is expected to be built there.
In his speech to the audience, he stated that he has been living outside Albania for years, but according to him, he has never faced situations such as those he is currently experiencing in his homeland.
"I come from Rrjoll. Albania belongs to Albanians, not traitors. I have been abroad for years. In Albania, I am doing prison every day. Albania deserves something else, because we are Europeans. They have taken us to prison, but criminals go to prison. The land of Rrjoll is the land of Rrjoll, not the Union. Rama in prison, Berisha in prison! May God bless them all", said the resident of Rrjoll.
His statement was greeted with applause by some of the protesters gathered on the boulevard, while the issue of land in Rrjoll and the tourism project in the area continues to remain one of the most discussed topics among residents who oppose its development.
Today's protest is part of the mobilization that has been taking place in Tirana for 16 days, where citizens from different areas of the country are expressing their dissatisfaction with the government and issues that directly affect them in the communities where they live.
Another citizen spoke in front of the Prime Minister's Office, as part of the protest that has been taking place for 16 days in Tirana, where citizens are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
From the podium, she stated that the protesters are determined to see their cause through to the end and that they will not retreat until the current government leaves.
"We will see what we have started to the end, this is where we decide and we will not stop until the government resigns. We will not give up until we have a new Albania and a new popular government," declared the protester.
During her speech, the protester also referred to a statement by Prime Minister Edi Rama, raising a question addressed to the head of government. "Rama said that Albania does not belong to Albanians, but whose does it belong to?", the citizen said.
Her statement was met with reactions from protesters gathered in front of the Prime Minister's Office, while the rally continued with other speeches by citizens who shared their concerns and demands for political and social change.
During his speech when citizens were gathering in 'Skënderbej' Square, activist Alben Kola made public the names of the initiators of the protest...
The march to Rinas Airport the day before seems to have brought to the surface the first differences between the groups organizing the protests against the government. The blockade of the Tirana-Durres highway for several hours and the march of the protesters for more than five hours caused strong debates, while today the first reactions have come from figures considered leaders of the movement.
One of them, Arben Kola, has attempted to quell rumors of discord, but at the same time has made a clear distinction between the group initiating the protest and the organizers of the march towards Rinas.
" Many think we are divided, many say they are trying to capture us. We are not divided, there have been no misunderstandings, there have been attempts, but we are not going to accuse or be hostile to anyone. The only common enemy today is Edi Rama and his government ," Kola declared to the protesters.
Earlier, during the gathering of citizens in "Skënderbej" Square, he also made public the names of three people who, according to him, are officially recognized by the police as the initiators of the protest.
" The 3 initiators we know from letters from the police: Luçiana Kokaj from Rrjolli, Alben Kola from Kukës and Arlinda Lleshi from Lezha ," declared the activist.
But the most significant statement came when Kola distanced himself from the march to Rinas, emphasizing that it was not organized by the initiating group.
" The march was organized by groups of young people, as the so-called Generation Z is called. Since the march had nothing to do with the initiating group or the organizers, starting tonight I will be at the forefront of the march together with the students ," he said.
This statement is seen as a signal that a silent competition is taking place within the movement for the direction and orientation of future actions. Kola himself announced that the students will be at the forefront of the upcoming marches, with him at the forefront.
He also tried to close the open debate after the attempt to go to the airport, guaranteeing that such an action would not be repeated.
" To be clear with all Albanians. We have said every night that this is a model protest. The heart of this protest is the Albanian youth and diaspora. So how can we stop the diaspora that comes by plane? Do you understand that the airport is the main hub of life, which has changed our image of Albania? Therefore, let it be clear to everyone, there will never be an attempt at the airport ," declared Kola.
His stance comes a day after the march to Rinas caused much controversy, with some protesters considering it an unnecessary escalation of the action, while others defended it as a form of pressure on the government. Today's statements show that the debate over the protest strategy has already entered even within its organizers themselves.
Citizens' speeches have begun in front of the Prime Minister's Office, where protesters have been gathering for 16 days to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and changes in the country's leadership.
The first to speak was a citizen, who declared that the time has come for the government to leave, while emphasizing that the dissatisfaction of citizens has reached its peak.
"The world has learned how strong and patriotic Albanians are. We are here to tell the government and the opposition to resign. With hearts, Albanians abroad and at home are here, but they are here and with all the strength to say 'Enough is enough!'" she said.
In her speech, the protester emphasized that this civic movement is different from traditional political protests, as according to her, the square is giving ordinary citizens the opportunity to publicly share their concerns and problems.
"Our speeches are not that curated, but the beauty of this square is that every citizen comes here to talk about their problems, so we will let everyone, big and small, speak from one problem to another. This square is showing everyone their place, politicians and those in power," she said.
The rally in front of the Prime Minister's Office continues with other speeches by citizens, who are sharing the stories and issues that, according to them, have accumulated over the years, turning the protest into a platform where the voice of citizens is heard directly.
Protesta e 16-të kundër kryeministrit Edi Rama ka përcjellë këtë të hënë jo vetëm mesazhe drejtuar qeverisë shqiptare, por edhe një thirrje të drejtpërdrejtë për komunitetin ndërkombëtar.
Mes pankartave dhe thirrjeve të protestuesve në bulevardin “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, spikati një banderolë e madhe me mbishkrimin në gjuhën angleze: “Europe, can you hear us?” (“Europë, a mund të na dëgjosh?”).
Sipas pjesëmarrësve, mesazhi synon të tërheqë vëmendjen e institucioneve dhe partnerëve ndërkombëtarë ndaj protestave që po zhvillohen prej 16 ditësh në vend. Protestuesit vijojnë të kërkojnë dorëheqjen e kryeministrit Edi Rama dhe ndryshime në drejtimin politik të vendit.
Organizatorët pretendojnë se revolta qytetare ka gjetur jehonë edhe jashtë Shqipërisë, ndërsa tubime mbështetëse janë zhvilluar nga komunitetet shqiptare në vende të ndryshme.
Gjatë protestës së sotme, qytetarët kanë mbushur sheshin dhe bulevardin kryesor të kryeqytetit, duke përsëritur thirrjet kundër qeverisë dhe duke kërkuar largimin e kryeministrit.
Protesta pritet të vijojë me marshim në rrugët e Tiranës, ndërsa organizatorët kanë paralajmëruar vazhdimin e mobilizimit edhe në ditët në vijim.
Cries of "Resignation! Resignation!" rang out this Monday afternoon in "Skënderbej" Square, where the 16th protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama has begun.
During the rally, one of the protesters addressed the participants with an appeal to maintain calm and not fall prey to provocations during the announced march on the streets of the capital.
In his speech, he stated that the goal of the protest remains the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, while emphasizing that the movement is also being supported by Albanians living abroad.
"Our goal is resignation; resignation and only resignation," he said to protesters gathered in central Tirana.
The organizer also criticized the opposition, calling it a sellout and claiming that citizens do not feel represented by traditional political forces. According to him, the protesters are demanding a change in the political class and accountability from its leaders.
He also announced that this evening's march will take place within the Middle Ring Road of Tirana, while asking participants not to follow groups or individuals who may attempt to divert the protest.
"These politicians may have money for megaphones and everything else, but they cannot buy the free spirit of Albanians," he declared amid applause from the protesters.
The rally is continuing in Skanderbeg Square, while protesters are expected to march on the main streets of the capital.
The civic protest has entered its 16th day, as thousands of citizens have gathered in Skanderbeg Square to express their dissatisfaction with the political, economic and social situation in the country.
Before the march to the Prime Minister's Office began, some of the protesters shared with the media the reasons that prompted them to take to the streets.
One of them, an elderly man, called on Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down, accusing him of the difficult economic situation and the departure of young people from Albania.
In a statement to "News 24" he stated: "Rama, the biggest traitor in this country. You have driven our sons away from the country. We give Rama time to resign until Saturday, because he will face the youth revolution. I tell Sali Berisha to leave, because he has been deceiving us since '91. I don't get my pension. I pay for electricity and water and I have little left."
Another protester described the civic movement as one of the most important public reactions of recent years, arguing that citizens are opposing not only economic hardship, but also the loss of hope for the future.
"Yesterday they killed us physically, today they want to kill us spiritually. But this will not happen. This is the most honest and heroic protest since the fall of the dictatorship. I am confident that this protest will bring everything ," he said.
Among the protesters was an immigrant from Athens, who said he had been a supporter of the Democratic Party in the early 1990s, but today expresses disappointment with Albanian politics in general.
He accused former Prime Minister Sali Berisha of destroying important sectors of the country and said that the consequences of decisions made during the transition continue to be felt today.
"I am a democrat from the '90s, we used to have a pilot school, now it is destroyed. Berisha destroyed industry, education. When the '92 reform was implemented, I criticized it and said we don't need any communist leaders, here we are today. There is no freedom, we have no justice. Without justice, there is no freedom. We don't understand these simple things. I have been living in Athens for 27 years," says another protester.
Their statements reflect a wide range of concerns, from economic hardship and low pensions, to immigration, lack of justice and dissatisfaction with the political class. Today's protest continues with citizens marching on the streets of Tirana, while organizers have warned that the mobilization will continue in the coming days.
Citizens gathered at the 16th protest in Tirana declared that they are facing pressure and attacks from the opposition due to their participation in the rallies. According to them, these actions are intended to intimidate and hinder the continuation of the protests against the government. The protesters emphasized that despite the pressures, they will continue their mobilization and their political demands.
The 16th protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama and the old political caste has begun. Hundreds of protesters have gathered in the center of Tirana, while a march towards the Prime Minister's Office building is expected under the slogan "The homeland is not for sale."
The rally began at 6:00 PM at Skanderbeg Square, where participants continue to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The rally has launched calls such as "Edi Rama resigns", "The homeland is not for sale" and other slogans against the political class.
During the protest, citizens made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Edi Rama, stating that if he cares about the country and the interests of Albanians, he should resign. According to them, his removal from the government would pave the way for a political solution and restore citizens' trust in institutions. The call "If you care about Albania, resign" was repeated several times during the rally.
“The opposition is pressuring us and attacking us,” several protesters said during the rally, claiming they had faced intimidation due to their engagement in anti-government protests. Their claims have not been independently confirmed.
After the rally in the center of the capital, protesters are expected to march on the main streets of Tirana.
Similar demonstrations have been held in several other cities in the country, including Vlora, Durrës, Shkodra and Pogradec. Supportive rallies have also been held by Albanian communities abroad.
The protest comes just hours after the end of the previous night's rally, which turned into one of the longest marches of this series of protests.
The 15th protest, held yesterday, lasted for about nine hours and was characterized by an unusual itinerary, which started from the center of Tirana and ended near Rinas international airport.
Initially, the protesters gathered at Skanderbeg Square and marched towards the Prime Minister's Office, where speeches and public addresses were held. The crowd then continued their march on foot along some of the capital's main thoroughfares, passing through Durrës Street, the area of the former Shqiponja Square, and Kamza Corner.
In the late evening hours, the protesters changed their usual route and headed to the Tirana-Durres highway, continuing their march towards Rinas airport. According to reports from the field, the crowd arrived near the Rinas overpass after midnight and continued their movement towards the airport.
In the early hours of the morning, large police forces were positioned near the airport to stop the protesters' advance. At around 02:00, the march was blocked by law enforcement officers, who had created a security cordon on the road leading to the terminal.
However, the situation remained calm and no clashes were recorded between protesters and police. For several minutes, the participants stood in front of the officers, chanting slogans such as "The police are with us," while special police vehicles were also deployed in the area for crowd management.
After nearly 40 minutes of standing in front of the police cordon, the protesters decided to withdraw and end the protest without incident.
Citizens gathered again this Monday in Skanderbeg Square, marking the 16th day of protests. After gathering in downtown Tirana, protesters headed towards the Prime Minister's Office building and, after delivering speeches, marched through the main streets of the capital.
Among the thousands of citizens present, one of the protesters shared his personal story with the media, raising concerns about the treatment of dialysis patients and the high costs that, according to him, they must bear for treatment.
In a statement to "News 24", he accused the government of the way it is handling medication reimbursement for chronic patients.
"Edi Rama does not lead but rules, he has turned parliament into a harem. I am here because I am a dialysis patient, I cannot afford the price of needles since my foot is 8,000 lek.
"He reimbursed the medicine for only 6 months for the rest of his life. This is a masquerade, it is a mockery. We are all destined to die, but not to be put on the spot," he declared.
The protester said that the decision to reimburse medicines only for a limited period of time is creating great difficulties for patients who depend on continuous treatment, while demanding more support from institutions for categories in need.
Today's protest is part of the civic mobilization that has been ongoing for 16 days in Tirana, where participants have raised various concerns related to governance, social and economic issues.
Bravo shqiptarë, ju lumtë! Mos e lejoni Shqipërinë ne duart e gjakatare te kriminelve Rama e Saliu dhe bandat e tyre te egra.