FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Citizens returned this Tuesday in front of the Prime Minister's Office building, on the 17th day of the protest that began as opposition to Jared Kushner's project in Zvërnec and Sazan, but which has now transformed into a broader movement against the government and the entire political caste.
With banners and slogans against the government, protesters demanded the removal of Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing him of selling public assets and abandoning the interests of citizens.
"Rama resigns", "The end has come for you", "Rama in prison, Berisha in prison" and "Albania in the clouds" were some of the chants that dominated today's rally.
Unlike the first days, when the focus was mainly on the investment project in Zvërnec and Sazan, the protest is increasingly taking on a political and civic character, articulating dissatisfaction with corruption, immigration, the economic situation, and the lack of trust in the political class.
One of the strongest speeches of the protest was delivered by Professor Lush Susaj, who emphasized the state of education and the massive departure of young people from the country.
" Today more than ever, Albania needs responsible citizens. Students are the most delicate and massacred part in 35 years. There is no country in the world that has massacred schools and universities like Albania ," Susaj declared from the protest podium.
The professor said that the country's biggest crisis is being reflected in the younger generation, citing his personal experience as an example.
" You are speaking to a man who educated his child in Albania and feels the pain every day that he will leave. It is time to react for the new generation and not be fooled again like in 1992 ," he said.
The protest in front of the Prime Minister's Office has been ongoing for more than two weeks, and organizers have warned that the rallies will continue until the opposed projects are withdrawn and the demands of citizens are heard.
Meanwhile, the participation and messages articulated on the podium are showing that the movement is increasingly moving away from a single environmental cause and is transforming into a broader revolt against the way of governance and the political elite in the country.
Prime Minister Edi Rama's statements that the protest is damaging Albania's image and the tourism sector have drawn reactions from the rally participants. One of the protesters responded directly to the head of government, shifting the debate to the economic conditions facing many Albanian families.
During his speech, the young man said that before talking about the impact of the protests on tourism, one should take into account the fact that thousands of citizens do not have the financial means to benefit from summer holidays in the country. According to him, there are Albanian families who have never been able to spend holidays at the seaside due to high costs and insufficient income.
"Does Mr. Prime Minister know that there are Albanian families who have never been on vacation at the coast?" the protester declared to those present.
He emphasized that the concerns being raised in the protest are related to issues that directly affect the daily lives of citizens, citing economic difficulties and the inability of many families to afford basic expenses.
The protester further stated that their cause is attracting attention beyond Albania's borders. According to him, the reactions and support they are receiving show that the protest's message is being heard more widely.
"The whole world is supporting us because we dared to raise our voices against these people here," he said.
The civic protest that has been taking place in the capital for more than two weeks has entered its 17th day today. As in previous days, citizens have begun gathering in the center of Tirana, maintaining the continuity of a protest that the organizers describe as non-partisan and open to all citizens. The rally continued with a march along the main boulevard of the capital, where the protesters expressed their positions and demands.
Meanwhile, the organizers have announced a significant change in the protest schedule. According to the official announcement, starting tomorrow, the gathering and departure of the rally will take place at 7:00 PM.
The change in schedule comes after more than two weeks of daily protests in downtown Tirana, as organizers aim to maintain participation and continuity of civic mobilization.
Another feature of today's protest is related to its format. The initiator of the protest, Alben Kola, has announced that there will be no speeches from ordinary participants during the rally, unlike in previous days.
According to him, the floor will be left only to new representatives, who will have the opportunity to express their positions and messages to the protesters gathered in the square.
The protest, which has continued for 17 consecutive days, has maintained the same organizational scheme, with citizens gathering in "Skënderbej" Square and marching towards the Prime Minister's Office, turning the center of the capital into the main point of civic mobilization.
Organizers have called for participation in the coming days, while it remains to be seen whether the change in schedule will affect the number of participants and the dynamics of the protest.
Protesters have gathered in the center of Tirana and have started marching towards the Prime Minister's Office building...
The 17th protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama and the old political caste has begun. Protesters gathered in the center of Tirana and began marching towards the Prime Minister's Office building 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. During the rally, chants such as "Edi Rama, resign", "The homeland is not for sale", and other slogans against the political class were heard.
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.
After the rally in the center of the capital, protesters are expected to march on the main streets of Tirana.
We recall that 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.
Lini një Përgjigje