TIRANA, September 1/ATA/ For the 94th consecutive day, citizens and civil society activists held a protest in Tirana against the planned investment in Zvërnec, demanding the protection of protected areas, the repeal of changes to the law on protected areas and the amendment of the electoral law.
The protesters initially gathered at “Skanderbeg” square, from where they marched towards the Prime Minister’s Office.
Breaking from their usual routine, protesters marched on the Prime Minister’s Office but redirected a faction to block a side entrance near the Pyramid. In response, State Police deployed around the perimeter to secure the building and maintain access. Tensions escalated as officers formed a tight cordon, successfully repelling a group of demonstrators who tried to breach the barriers and enter the building. The police continue to hold the line, keeping the crowd back as the standoff remains highly volatile.
Citizens continue to reiterate demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the removal of the “old caste” of politics, the repeal of changes in the law on protected areas, the amendment of the electoral law, etc.
What began as a protest against the environmental impact of the Zvërnec tourism project has expanded into a broader movement. Participants are now demanding systemic political reforms and voicing deep concerns over corruption, limited employment and youth emigration.
After moments of tension, the protesters left the area of the Prime Minister’s Office to continue the march along several roads of the capital and towards Police Station No. 1, where the Police escorted some protesters after the clash in front of the entrance to the Prime Minister’s Office.
/p.s./
