The 90th Protest Ends, Citizens Warn They Will Continue Their Resistance Until Rama Leaves

The 90th civic protest against the government and Prime Minister Edi Rama ended after another evening march through the streets of Tirana, where chants against the government and calls for political change were repeated.

As the protesters marched, slogans could be heard including “Change the system! Revolution!”, “Arrest Rama and Balluku!” and “An Albania of the youth, not of the party!”

The messages of the protest were also conveyed through banners, which mocked Prime Minister Rama’s new initiatives, “Besa” and “Faithful Presence.” One of the banners read: “90 days, three months. One demand: accountability.”

The citizens called for the government to step down, as well as for what they consider the “old political class” to come to an end. According to them, Albania should belong to young people, not to the interests of political parties.

Strong statements were also made by various protesters during the gathering. One citizen accused Edi Rama and Sali Berisha of dividing deals between themselves, calling for justice to act against both of them.

Another female protester described the square as “the temple of free speech.” She stressed that, after 90 days of protests, citizens must develop the conviction that they can change the country together.

Among the speakers was also a foreign tourist, who said he had been visiting Albania for 10 years and had fallen in love with the country’s nature and the hospitality of its people. He said that in recent years he had observed worrying developments, mentioning the burning of mountains, pollution of rivers and inequality in development between the coastline and mountainous areas.

“I believe in revolution, I believe in Albania and I believe in you!” he told the protesters.

Following the end of today’s march, the civic protest marked its 90th day, while citizens are expected to gather in the square again on the 91st day.