Albania protests spark digital boycott of VIP-owned businesses

Protests that began on Tirana’s Dëshmorët e Kombit boulevard have entered their 39th‑41st day, with demonstrators turning their anger toward prominent business and media figures. Citizens are using Google reviews to flood the online listings of entrepreneurs such as Samir Mane and Gjergj Luca, as well as public personalities like Ermal Mamaqi, Arbana Osmani and Gazmend Paja, with one‑star ratings, causing a sharp drop in those businesses’ online reputations.

Journalist Mentor Kikia described the movement as more than an economic grievance, saying protesters are demanding changes to the electoral law, greater media freedom, environmental protection and legal equality. He noted Prime Minister Edi Rama appears to be listening to the crowd’s messages and adjusting his communication strategy, while also warning that the government must protect targeted businesses from cyber‑attacks.

The online campaign reflects a broader shift in Albanian civil society, using digital tools to hold influential figures accountable for perceived silence or collusion with the government during the prolonged unrest.