The rally marked the 131st day of protests, with demonstrators calling for the vote to be cancelled and the government to be dissolved rather than municipalities.

Protesters had gathered outside parliament earlier in the day to oppose the reform, which is expected to be put to a vote during the plenary session.

Some demonstrators pushed and attacked police officers deployed to maintain public order, throwing eggs, tomatoes, stones and other objects, according to the report.

Police escorted eight people to a police station by 5:30 p.m. over alleged violent acts.

The protests began on May 31 against a planned investment in the coastal area of Zvernec, southern Albania, but have since broadened to include demands to repeal legal changes affecting protected areas and cancel the government’s “Mountain Package.”

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The protesters marched along Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard, opposing the proposed tourism project, government policies on protected areas and strategic investments.

Activist Sidorela Vatnikaj told protesters outside the government headquarters that the demonstrations had continued despite their length and the difficulties faced by participants.

She said the protest was not only about opposing the political establishment but also about demands for dignity and a state that serves citizens.

“The battle is not only against the 36-year-old corrupt political class, but is about reclaiming the dignity that has been trampled on all these years and taking back the state to serve citizens,” Vatnikaj said.

She added that protesters continued to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government.

The protests began on May 31 over the planned investment in Zvernec and have since broadened to include demands for the repeal of legal changes concerning protected areas and the cancellation of the so-called “Mountain Package”.

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The demonstration, which has continued for more than four months, is primarily calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and what protesters describe as the country’s “old political caste.”

In speeches outside the government headquarters, citizens and civil society activists criticised government policies and called for the repeal of several legislative initiatives they say harm the interests of Albanian citizens.

Organisers said the protests would continue in the coming days and that they would not withdraw until their demands were met.

The protest began on May 31 over a planned investment in the southern Albania area of Zvernec and has since broadened its demands to include the repeal of changes to legislation on protected areas and the cancellation of the so-called “Mountain Package”.

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Speaking at a joint news conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Rama also provided an update on the project, saying authorities were awaiting a detailed environmental study.

“I informed the EC President about the progress of the major investment project that has generated so much interest. We are now at the stage of awaiting the detailed environmental study, but I also informed her about the steps we have taken to significantly increase transparency with the Albanian public and strengthen interaction between the government and the public through new technology,” Rama said.

He said the Transparency Platform would be activated in the coming days, providing full access to documents and information on the project and the process behind it.

Rama said the meeting also covered the results of Albania’s efforts to combat organised crime and corruption.

He said the issue remained a fixed priority for both the government and the European Union, particularly for candidate countries.

“We jointly noted with satisfaction that it is now very clear for Albania that if until yesterday corruption was the system, today the system is fighting corruption,” Rama said.

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The protest, which began over a planned tourism investment in the coastal area of Zvërnec, has since expanded to broader political and institutional demands.

Protesters marched from Skanderbeg Square to the prime minister’s office, carrying banners and messages directed at the justice system.

One banner called on the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) to hold those in power accountable, while protesters also raised economic concerns.

Activist Sidorela Vatnikaj told the rally that protesters remained determined to continue their campaign.

The protest, dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution” by organisers, began on May 31 in opposition to the planned tourism project in Zvërnec. Participants have since broadened their demands to include political and institutional changes.

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Speaking to journalist Rudina Xhunga on the “Flasim Shqip” podcast, Rama said the protest would not have reached the same scale without their names being associated with the project.
“If Kushner’s name and Trump’s name had not been part of this project, I am certain this would not have reached the scale it did,” Rama said.

He said international political forces opposed to Trump had also turned the protests into a broader political confrontation.

“The entire anti-Trump part of international politics found a battlefield on the boulevard to challenge Donald Trump and defeat him through the Albanians,” Rama said.

Rama said the government had a responsibility to counter what he called false claims with documents and arguments, but acknowledged that concerns over property, transparency, environmental impact, public access and whether beaches would remain public were legitimate.

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After gathering in the square, protesters proceeded along Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard to the government headquarters, where organisers and participants delivered speeches.

The protests initially focused on the planned tourism investment in Zvërnec, but their demands have broadened to include political and institutional issues.

Participants are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the removal of what they describe as the country’s “old political establishment,” the repeal of amendments to the law on protected areas and changes to electoral legislation.

Protesters have also raised concerns over corruption, employment, strategic investments and the emigration of young people.

They said they would continue demonstrating until their demands are met.

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After gathering in the square, protesters marched along Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard and stopped outside the Prime Minister’s Office, where they reiterated their opposition to the project and raised concerns over policies affecting protected areas and strategic investments.

Demonstrators also voiced concerns about the economy, emigration, pensions, security and the functioning of state institutions.

Speaking outside the Prime Minister’s Office, activists said they would continue protesting until their demands were met.

One protester warned of an escalation of demonstrations in September.

“In September, he will have a difficult time. We will block the roads and there will be an escalation,” the protester said.

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Protesters gathered at Skanderbeg Square before marching along Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard towards the prime minister’s office, carrying banners and national flags.

They reiterated their opposition to the planned tourism project in Zvërnec and called for the repeal of amendments to the protected areas law, changes to the electoral law and the removal of what organisers described as the country’s “old political caste.”

After reaching the government headquarters, several protesters addressed the crowd from an improvised platform, repeating their demands.

One activist said protesters were expected to return to the streets in September.

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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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