Flash News

Policeman Enea Mekolli killed, Braçellari released from Trauma hospital

Car collides with taxi in Memaliaj, four people injured

Morning Post/ In 2 lines: What mattered yesterday in Albania

Citizens tear down Edi Rama's bust

Protesters wish Rama a happy birthday with a concrete cake

E-TJERA

Associated Press: Protest repeats symbolism of February 20, Rama's bust falls

Politiko 2026-07-05 09:18:42

Associated Press: Protest repeats symbolism of February 20, Rama's bust

From  the Associated Press

A massive demonstration took place for the 35th consecutive night in the Albanian capital on Saturday, with protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the temporary replacement of his government, constitutional reform and an end to corruption.

Footage released by the media showed thousands of people marching along Tirana's main boulevard towards Skanderbeg Square. There has been no independent verification of the number of protesters.

The nightly demonstrations began over a project to build a luxury coastal resort in a protected natural area, linked to the US President's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, but later turned into broader protests against the government and corruption. Protesters chanted: "New Albania" and "Edi Rama, resign!"

The march was filled with symbolism. A large bust of Edi Rama was placed and then toppled with the help of a rope, a gesture reminiscent of the toppling of the statue of communist dictator Enver Hoxha in February 1991, an event commemorated every year on February 20.

Since Saturday's protest coincided with Rama's 62nd birthday, some protesters also carried "birthday cakes" made of concrete, as an allusion to the numerous construction projects.

The protesters also ironically sang the song "Happy Birthday" for Rama.

Some protesters carried balloons in the shape of pink flamingos, a reference to the birds that protesters say are endangered by the resort project. The demonstrations have long been dubbed the "Pink Flamingo Revolution."

About two hours into the protest, a large group of protesters marched towards a police station, demanding the release of those arrested during Thursday's protest near Parliament.

During the protest, several people broke the windows of the police station, while the police used a water cannon to disperse the crowd.

Latest news