Foreign media echo mass anti-government protests in Albania: Miserable wages and corruption, why Albanians are protesting against Edi Rama

Italian media outlet Il Fatto Quotidiano has echoed the nationwide anti-government protests that have been taking place in our country for 24 days.

In a report dedicated to the “Flamingo Revolution” under the title: “Miserable wages, corruption and the high cost of living: Why Albanians are protesting against Edi Rama”, the outlet presents the voices of the protesters, who have not held back their dissatisfaction with the government.

“Born as the ‘Flamingo Revolution’ against a luxury resort linked to Kushner, the protests in Tirana have turned into a vessel collecting much broader discontent”, Il Fatto Quotidiano begins its article this way.

The Italian daily emphasizes low wages and the protesters’ demand for profound change.

The article:

Born as a mobilization of young people from the “Flamingo Revolution” against a luxury resort linked to interests close to Donald Trump’s son-in-law and daughter, the protests in Albania have become the expression of wider discontent: low wages and pensions, corruption, and the rising cost of living.

“I am more than angry. I am furious. I work as a car painter, but with 500 euros a month, what can I do?”

This is how 63-year-old Gjergji speaks, with the Albanian flag draped over his shoulders, a few steps away from Skanderbeg Square, the center of the protests.

He lived in Italy for twenty years before returning to Albania. Like many other workers, he earns between 400 and 500 euros a month, while prices continue to rise.

“Shopping here costs more than in Italy,” the outraged resident says.

Miserable wages and minimum pensions are fueling anger in the streets of Tirana.

“In 1991 I saw the protests after the fall of communism, but not like these. This is extraordinary,” he adds.

For weeks, every evening, tens of thousands of people have returned to protest peacefully in central Tirana.

“After 22 days we are still here and we are more numerous than before,” a young organizer says from the stage.

Many protesters come from the diaspora and are giving new energy to the movement.

When we ask Gjergji what the difference is compared with the past, he replies:

“The young people. We trust them. Those in government are corrupt.”

From the stage, there is also talk about the European Union and the obstacles preventing Albania from becoming part of it, including corruption and organized crime.

Joining Europe remains a central objective, but for many people the first step is clear: the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

“We must become more and more numerous,” the protesters repeat as they chant “Revolution.”

Along the illuminated streets of the city center, adults, young people and the elderly gather every day at seven in the evening to march once again.

A constant presence that has turned the protest into a daily gathering, with participation steadily increasing.

Amid the noise of chants and flags, the message remains the same: a profound change that, according to those in the square, can no longer wait.