Anti-government protest enters its 96th day as escalation threatened: “Rama, resign

The citizens’ protest against the government enters its 96th day today. The protesters’ main demand remains the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, while in recent days the campaign has been marked by tensions, clashes with police and warnings that acts of civil disobedience will be expanded.

The 95th day of the protest, held on Wednesday, began in Skanderbeg Square, where citizens and activists gathered. From there, the protesters marched toward the Prime Minister’s Office, repeating their chants against the government and their demand for Edi Rama to step down.

The protest then moved toward the Security Block, where the 14 people arrested a day earlier following clashes near the Prime Minister’s Office are being held.

During the march, chants including “Your end has come,” “Albania demands a revolution” and “Rama, resign” could be heard.

Wednesday’s protest took place just one day after the most serious clashes recorded during the campaign. On the 94th day, after protesters learned that Prime Minister Rama was in his office, some of them positioned themselves near the building’s entrances and exits, where they remained for around two hours.

Police presence in the area was increased, including officers from the Rapid Intervention Force, while the authorities also deployed a water cannon. Following the tensions and clashes, several protesters were taken to police stations.

Meanwhile, the protesters’ attention is focused on September 7, when the protest is expected to mark its 100th day.

During Wednesday’s rally, greater mobilization was announced for that date. Protesters have said they intend to surround the entire Prime Minister’s Office building, describing the 100th day as another important milestone in their campaign.

The protest continues today on its 96th day, while it remains to be seen whether the coming days will bring a further escalation in clashes or new forms of civil disobedience.