Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama faces mass protests and resignation calls

Across Albania and among the diaspora, large protests have erupted demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Opposition leader Sali Berisha has repeatedly urged Rama to step down, calling the demonstrations a “storm” that will not end until their demands are met and criticizing the lack of transparency surrounding the controversial Zvërnec development project. Berisha accused the government of breaching European Union environmental directives and of hiding information about the project’s ownership and environmental impact.

The protests have also drawn international attention, with a demonstration outside the Albanian embassy in Washington DC. In Tirana, police and security forces have been reported to forcibly seize a protester’s banner, sparking further criticism. Former ambassador and analyst Mustafa Nano publicly advised Rama to consider a normal resignation and internal party elections. The cumulative pressure reflects growing public discontent with perceived oligarchic influence and alleged corruption within the government.