Mass protests in Tirana demand Edi Rama's resignation and political change

For more than three weeks, thousands of demonstrators have gathered daily in Tirana's central squares demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the removal of opposition leader Sali Berisha. The protests, which began over a planned luxury resort in Zvërnec, have expanded to broader political demands: a 12‑month transitional technocratic government, constitutional reforms to limit the prime minister’s mandate to two terms, and greater transparency in public projects.

Opposition figures have accused Rama and Berisha of a covert "co‑governance" partnership, citing the controversial 55‑storey tower project near the Parliament as evidence. Sali Berisha's Democratic Party pledged support for the youth‑led movement, while former president Bajram Begaj reiterated that the right to protest is constitutionally protected but must be exercised within the law.

Union leader Ali Ahmeti warned that the unrest is dealing "two strong blows" to Albania’s key tourism sector and could deter foreign investment, alleging external influence from neighboring Greece and Serbia. In response, Rama posted a sarcastic "manifest of non‑resignation" urging critics to wait until 2030, while also accusing protesters of being manipulated by foreign money and extremist ideologies.