protest-citizens-demands – Albanian  Telegraphic  Agency. https://en.ata.gov.al News Agency Sat, 26 Sep 2026 18:22:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Protest in front of Prime Minister’s Office marks 119th day https://en.ata.gov.al/2026/09/26/protest-in-front-of-prime-ministers-office-marks-119th-day/ https://en.ata.gov.al/2026/09/26/protest-in-front-of-prime-ministers-office-marks-119th-day/#respond Sat, 26 Sep 2026 18:22:06 +0000 https://en.ata.gov.al/?p=307578 TIRANA, Sept 26  /ATA/ The civic protest opposing the planned investment in Zvërnec pressed on in the capital this afternoon, marking its 119th consecutive day.

As on previous occasions, demonstrators gathered in Skanderbeg Square before marching down the “Martyrs of the Nation” Boulevard.

Carrying placards and chanting for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, protesters continued to voice demands for the removal of what they call the “old political caste.”

Outside the Prime Minister’s Office, civil society activists renewed their opposition to the planned tourism investment in Zvërnec, as well as to government policies on protected areas and strategic projects.

Speaking at the 119th day of protest, activist Sidorela Vatnikaj said the reasons driving citizens to the streets were, in her view, linked to scandals and recent political developments.

Vatnikaj noted that demonstrators continue to gather daily, accusing the government of ties to corruption and organised crime. She also referred to arrests and investigations involving officials, arguing that these developments point, in her words, to an institutional crisis.

An elderly woman speaking from the podium outside the Prime Minister’s Office said her monthly pension of 12,000 lek was insufficient to make ends meet.

The protest, launched on 31 May in opposition to the planned investment project in Zvërnec, has in the weeks since broadened to include political and institutional demands.

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]]> https://en.ata.gov.al/2026/09/26/protest-in-front-of-prime-ministers-office-marks-119th-day/feed/ 0 Protesters hold 65th consecutive rally in Tirana over Zvërnec development plan https://en.ata.gov.al/2026/08/03/protesters-hold-65th-consecutive-rally-in-tirana-over-zvernec-development-plan/ https://en.ata.gov.al/2026/08/03/protesters-hold-65th-consecutive-rally-in-tirana-over-zvernec-development-plan/#respond Mon, 03 Aug 2026 19:41:01 +0000 https://en.ata.gov.al/?p=302585 TIRANA, Aug 3  /ATA/ Citizens gathered again today in Skanderbeg Square for the 65th protest against the planned tourism investment in the Zvërnec area.

After assembling in the capital’s central square, protesters marched along the boulevard towards the Prime Minister’s Office, voicing their opposition to the project and raising additional demands related to protected areas policies and strategic investments.

Carrying banners and national flags, protesters called for the repeal of amendments to the law on protected areas, changes to the electoral law, and the replacement of what they described as the “old political establishment.”

“Never give up,” “Take responsibility and resign,” “Hope never dies,” and “A new Albania” were among the slogans displayed by protesters in the square.

One protester praised the unity shown by citizens over more than two months of demonstrations, saying their movement is giving people hope. The elderly man said their “party” is New Albania and that fear has been defeated once and for all.

“Fear has been defeated once and for all, and now people can freely express themselves. I thank all the protesters who come here and give us hope — young people and pensioners alike — for the enthusiasm they are showing in this square. The protesters have created their own party, New Albania,” he said.

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