Day 81 of the Citizens’ Revolt Against the Government: Protesters Return to the Square Today, Demand Rama’s Resignation

The protest has entered its 81st day, marking one of the longest periods of consecutive demonstrations held in the capital in recent months.

For 81 days, citizens have gathered in central areas of Tirana and outside the Prime Minister’s Office, continuing their calls against the government and demands for political change.

The protest has become widely known as the “Flamingo Revolution.”

During this period, the demonstrations have taken various forms, from marches and mass gatherings to daily protests outside state institutions.

The main demand remains the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and political change.

Protesters continue to take to the streets of Tirana in large numbers and with clearly articulated demands.

For several days, members of the diaspora also joined the protests, bringing renewed energy to the demonstration.

The 80th protest.

During the protest, citizens conveyed strong messages through their placards and statements, raising concerns about the economy, emigration, pensions, security and the functioning of institutions.

One woman, who has lived in Italy for 33 years, said she had come to Albania specifically for the protest. She highlighted the economic hardships faced by pensioners, saying their pensions were not enough even to cover medicine.

Another woman from the Albanian diaspora said she had come from Italy to protest for Albanians and for those who have been forced to leave the country.

Strong messages were also directed at emigrants, urging them to return to their homeland. Meanwhile, activist Andi Tepelena called on SPAK to take action and demanded justice over issues that, according to him, concern citizens.

“80 days of protest, of revolt. We say no to this system. SPAK, where are you? This is not the time for holidays; it is time to act. We want justice for the big fish,” Tepelena said.

He also demanded that information about what is happening with the Balluku case be made public and raised questions about investment in the construction sector and money laundering.

“Money from the criminal underworld is laundered through towers and construction projects. Prices have reached dizzying levels. We have demanded Rama’s resignation. There will be no negotiations with Edi Rama. We want a technical government made up of honest people who care about their homeland. September is coming; it is the month of great change, and I am convinced that it will be the grave of the regime,” he declared.

After gathering outside the Prime Minister’s Office, the citizens marched through the streets of Tirana.