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From Zvërnec to Rama's resignation/ How the protest turned into the biggest civic revolt in recent years

Politiko 2026-06-15 11:11:00

From Zvërnec to Rama's resignation/ How the protest turned into the

This Monday is expected to be the 16th consecutive protest of the civic revolt against the government. What began as an opposition to the resort project in Zvërnec and Sazan has transformed into a much broader movement, with demands that go beyond environmental issues and directly affect governance, immigration, corruption and the future of the country.

For more than two weeks, thousands of citizens have been filling the "Martyrs of the Nation" boulevard and the square in front of the Prime Minister's Office every evening. Amidst national flags, banners and calls against the government, the main demand remains the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the socialist majority.

This movement has gradually taken on the characteristics of a civic protest, where participation is not dominated by parties, but by citizens, families, young people, professionals and immigrants returning for vacation. In the evening, after the speeches in front of the Prime Minister's Office end, the protesters begin the march that has now become part of the daily ritual of the protest. The main streets of Tirana are filled with long columns of people moving under patriotic cheers and songs.

However, Sunday's protest marked a new moment for the movement. For the first time since the revolt began, protesters completely blocked the Tirana-Durres highway and the axis connecting the capital to Rinas International Airport.

After more than two hours of speeches in front of the Prime Minister's Office, the crowd marched towards the Kashari overpass, creating kilometers of traffic on the country's most important road artery. The protesters then continued towards the airport road, paralyzing traffic at one of Albania's most strategic junctions for several hours.

As thousands of citizens gathered in front of the Prime Minister's Office, the Socialist MP from Shkodra, Marjana Koçeku, known as "Neomalesorja", announced her departure from the Socialist Party parliamentary group. Through a public reaction on social media, she declared that she will continue her mandate as an independent MP, arguing that her boundaries are determined by personal values and not by party affiliation.

One of the most distinctive elements of this movement remains the banners. If in the early days the messages about the protection of Zvërnec dominated, today the banners reflect a much broader range of concerns. Mass emigration, corruption, the cost of living, the lack of hope for young people and criticism of the political class have become the main themes of the revolt.

Another important aspect of this protest is the diaspora. Albanians in London, Vienna, Munich, and various cities in the US and Canada have organized solidarity rallies in support of the protesters in Albania. Hundreds of Albanians carrying the red and black flag have conveyed messages of support for the developments in Tirana.

The cry "Rama, resign" has now become the common refrain of protests at home and abroad. /Lapsi.al