The civic protest against the government entered its 39th day this Tuesday, and the march towards the streets of Tirana has already begun.
Meanwhile, from the protestors' podium, there was no shortage of criticism of the government's decision to finance the concert of American rapper Kanye West with 4 million euros.
Activist Edison Likaj called the decision "impudence," arguing that the state has not found funds to support citizens affected by earthquakes, floods, or fires, but has allocated millions of euros for a concert.
"This country has gone through earthquakes, floods and massive fires, but 4 million euros were not found for the people affected. Today this money is being given for a concert that no one needs," he declared.
Likaj also leveled political accusations against the government, recalling that Kanye West has been criticized internationally for anti-Semitic statements. According to him, it is contradictory for a government that, according to him, has accused protesters of anti-Semitism to finance the concert of an artist with such attitudes.
The activist also alleged that students from several high schools in Tirana are being forced to attend the concert, while saying that the government is trying to fill the event through its structures and patronage. No evidence was presented for these claims during his speech.
The protest has been ongoing for 39 days with the demand for the removal of Prime Minister Edi Rama and former Prime Minister Sali Berisha from politics, while the organizers have warned that they will continue the mobilization in the coming days.