Today marks the 123rd anti-government protest as citizens return to the square and call for Rama’s resignation

A citizens’ protest against the government is taking place today in Tirana, marking the 123rd consecutive day of demonstrations. Following yesterday’s protest, held on the 122nd day and accompanied by a march through the capital’s streets, citizens are expected to gather again to voice their political and social demands.

During the 122nd protest, participants also called for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down, while one of the repeated chants was “Arrest Rama.”

The demonstrations have continued for more than four months, while protesters say they have no intention of backing down from their resistance.

During the 121st protest, held on September 28, the march began after the speeches in front of the Prime Minister’s Office had ended and continued toward the Student City. It was reported that chants against the prime minister were heard during the march and that protesters called for the revolt to continue.

At the center of the protests remains the demand for Edi Rama’s resignation and a change in the country’s political situation. Protesters have also called for the creation of a transitional technical government with a 12-month mandate which, according to their platform, would be tasked with preparing the conditions for the next elections.

Recent protests have also repeated calls for changes to the political and institutional system, while protesters have declared that the resistance will continue until their demands are met.

Another important element of the recent protests has been the involvement of young people and students. During the 121st protest, the march moved toward the Student City, while activist Ilir Xhemalaj said the aim was for students to join the protest more strongly.

“We expect students to join the protest in large numbers. Today was for them, which is why we took the march toward the Student City,” Xhemalaj said, adding that the organizers want the energy of young people to be channeled into the protest.

During the 122nd protest, there were also calls for the involvement of young people, while participants continued repeating the slogan “Without youth, there is no Albania.”