Albanian protesters call for caretaker government, constitutional changes

The 24th protest against the proposed development project in Zvërnec was held on Tuesday afternoon in Tirana, Albania.

Demonstrators gathered once again in Skanderbeg Square before marching to the Prime Minister’s Office, CE Report quotes ATA.

The banners and slogans echoed those seen at previous rallies, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha, as well as for systemic change and the repeal of amendments to the law on protected areas.

Protesters continued their calls for a “New Albania.” Following the national anthem, representatives of the organizing group addressed the crowd, reiterating the demands that had been outlined by Dritan Goxhaj during the previous day’s protest.

The protesters have put forward five main demands, including the resignation of the prime minister, the repeal of the status and legal framework for strategic investors, the abolition of the Mountains Package, the reversal of amendments to the law on protected areas, and the repeal of changes to the cultural heritage law.

Activist Edison Lika once again read the statement outlining the protest’s demands. He stated that the declaration delivered the previous day by Dritan Goxhaj had prompted a personal response from Prime Minister Edi Rama directed at Goxhaj and others. Consequently, he noted that the statement would henceforth be read at every protest.

As the first demand, Lika called for the resignation of the prime minister and the government, followed by the establishment of a non-partisan caretaker government with a 12-month mandate.

He also advocated constitutional reforms to ensure that all Albanian citizens are equal before the law, with the proposed changes to be approved through a popular referendum. Among the measures outlined were amendments to the Electoral Code, revisions to the law governing the financing of political parties and other organizations, and the introduction of a limit of no more than two terms—whether full or partial—for any individual serving as prime minister throughout their political career.

“At the same time, we remain committed to our initial demands: the repeal of the amendments made to the law on protected areas, the repeal of the amendments to the cultural heritage law, the abolition of the Mountains Package, and the revocation of the status and legal framework governing strategic investments,” he said.

One of the protesters announced that members of the Albanian diaspora would return to Tirana on 4 July to take part in another protest.

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