For the 48th consecutive day, the citizens’ protest against the government and the entire political class continues today. The gathering is expected to begin in the afternoon at Skanderbeg Square, from where participants will march toward the Prime Minister’s Office, showing that the revolt that began several weeks ago will continue.
Organizers have called on citizens to join the protest in as large numbers as possible. They stress that their position has not changed: they demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the removal of the political caste, which they accuse of holding Albania hostage for more than three decades.
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After 47 uninterrupted days of rallies, the organizers say they will remain in the square every day. According to them, the 48th protest scheduled for today, along with the entire movement, will continue until the protesters’ demands are met.
Opposition to any form of negotiations was clearly expressed during the 47th day of the revolt. Organizer Edison Lika said the movement would neither accept political representation by anyone nor sit down for talks.
“This movement will never enter into negotiations because its demands are clear. We have nothing to negotiate with anyone. The first point of this protest is Rama’s resignation,” he said.
At yesterday’s gathering, activists also opposed what they described as attempts to create the impression that reflection has begun within the governing majority. They emphasized that citizens will not be satisfied either with cosmetic measures or with replacing names in the government.
Students who appeared in graduation gowns created one of the protest’s most symbolic moments. Through the message, “We will stay, we will not leave,” they stressed that Albania cannot build its future without young people.
Meanwhile, activist Sidorela Vatnikaj called for investigations not to be limited solely to former officials, but to reach the highest levels of government leadership as well.
“Edi Rama should be investigated as the head of a criminal organization, not as Albania’s prime minister,” she declared.
Placards containing satirical and ironic messages against the government, the opposition and the entire political class remained among the most visible elements of the gathering. Protesters also repeated the slogans that have become symbols of the movement: “Albania demands revolution,” “New Albania,” “Your time is up,” “We will not stop until you resign,” “Rama, resign,” “Parliament of crime,” and “Rama, SPAK you!”
