Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama faces mass protests and tourism slowdown

Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja announced that construction and related activities in designated tourist zones have been suspended until 15 September 2026, aiming to protect destinations and ensure a calm, high‑quality season.

Since January, protests have continued for more than 60 days across Tirana, with citizens and members of the Albanian diaspora marching toward the prime‑minister’s office demanding Rama’s resignation. Demonstrators cite economic hardships, rising prices, low pensions, water and electricity shortages, and a recent drop in tourism numbers that Gonxhja linked to the unrest.

The protests have drawn participants from abroad, including a London‑based Albanian who thanked local media for covering the movement. Parallel to the street actions, Cabinet Chief Florent Maliqi denied recent corruption accusations, calling them a defamatory campaign. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about a proposed administrative reform that could merge 15 municipalities, prompting calls for a coordinated citizen alliance.

Overall, the government’s suspension of tourist‑zone construction, the prolonged public demonstrations, and the political disputes reflect a period of heightened tension in Albania.