TIRANA, Aug. 14 /ATA/ – A 76th consecutive protest against the planned investment in Zvërnec, southern Albania, was held in Tirana on Friday evening, with Albanians from the diaspora also joining the rally.
Young members of the diaspora gathered near the former railway station before marching to Skanderbeg Square and then to the prime minister’s office, where the protest was held.
Protesters carried banners supporting the civic movement and calling for political change, including slogans such as “From Berlin, with love for Albania!” and “Far apart, united in resistance!”
A young woman from the United States said the diaspora stood in solidarity with protesters in Albania.
“Although we are far away, we share the same pain as Albanians here. We feel a responsibility to be here today and show our support,” she said, adding that solidarity protests had also been held in New York, Boston, Washington and Florida.
An Albanian woman from Switzerland said emigrants faced difficulties returning to the country because of a lack of opportunities and meritocracy.
Another participant, an Albanian who came from Germany, cited poor living conditions and corruption among the reasons he had left the country.
The protests began as opposition to the environmental impact of the planned tourism project in Zvërnec but have since broadened to include demands for political and institutional change, with protesters also raising concerns about corruption, meritocracy, employment opportunities and the emigration of young people.
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