Albanian protests enter fourth week as leaders invoke constitutional rights

Protests that began on 31 May have now entered their fourth week in Albania, with tens of thousands of citizens gathering in Tirana and other cities to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the withdrawal of a controversial foreign‑investment project in Zvërnec. President Bajram Begaj, speaking at the centennial ceremony of the Tirana Prefecture, said the right to demonstrate is protected by the Constitution and urged peaceful dialogue. President Bajram Begaj echoed the same message, stressing that “the right to express oneself in conformity with the Constitution is a protected value.”

Analyst Adriatik Riza Dosti published a satirical piece criticizing media figures and political opponents for attacking the protests, while veteran‑group chairman Hysni Gucati condemned the use of the KLA (UÇK) flag, calling it “unacceptable and offensive” and warning against politicising the veterans’ symbolism. Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Integration Movement, warned that the unrest is harming Albania’s tourism sector and foreign investment, calling the protests a “double blow” to the economy.

Other political figures, including former prime minister Sali Berisha (through his party’s structures) and various opposition lawyers, have been accused of attempting to co‑opt the demonstrations. Despite the tension, government officials maintain that the protests remain peaceful and that the constitutional framework guarantees citizens the right to be heard.