Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama faces month‑long protests in Tirana demanding his resignation

For 31 consecutive days, protesters have occupied the streets of Tirana, beginning with a rally outside the Parliament and later moving to the Prime Minister’s office. Demonstrators—many families with children—have called for Rama’s resignation, an end to the current government, and the establishment of a technical caretaker administration. The protests have featured repeated clashes with police, resulting in the arrest of six activists and injuries to several participants.

European Parliament members from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and other EU countries visited Tirana, publicly denouncing police violence and urging respect for citizens’ rights. Their presence coincided with an escalation of tensions, including egg‑throwing at deputies’ vehicles, water‑bottle attacks on the parliament building, and a one‑minute silence held after a tragic highway accident that claimed four lives.

Prime Minister Rama responded by publishing a citizen’s message urging him not to step down and by releasing the criminal record of activist Edviol Kulluri. Opposition figures, including former President Sali Berisha, have accused the police of excessive force and called for EU pressure on the government. The protests continue to draw international attention as Albania’s EU accession talks proceed.