“Europe can you hear us?” - Tirana enters third week of protests

2026-06-15 19:19:07Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Tirana enters third week of protests

The 16th day of the protest known as the "Flamingo Revolution" has begun in front of the Prime Minister's Office, with anti-government and anti-establishment slogans, including the parliamentary opposition.

With numerous banners and the front row filled, as usual, with women and children, protesters have opened the third week of mass mobilization in Tirana.

There was also a strong message for internationals, with a large banner reading 'Europe can you hear us?'.

In the square, chants of "Resign", "Edi Rama, traitor, resign as soon as possible", "Rama in prison, Berisha in prison" and "Rama resign" are heard.

Unlike Sunday evening, when the march ended with the blockade of the Tirana-Durres highway and the axis towards Rinas International Airport, this time it has been announced on social media that the movement will take place only within the Tirana Ring Road.

In a statement released before the protest began, organizers outlined five rules for the march. They said the protest would not split into groups, would not take spontaneous directions, and would always leave a clear lane for emergency vehicles.

The march itinerary has also been published, which starts from the Prime Minister's Office and continues in the 9 Katesheva area, to Zogu i Zi, Vasil Shanto, Wilson Square and ends at Skanderbeg Square.

The restriction of the march within the Ring Road is seen as a clear change from the protest the day before, when protesters headed outside the capital and blocked the main axis connecting Tirana with Durrës and Rinas Airport for several hours.

Yesterday's march lasted about five hours and paralyzed traffic on one of the country's main arteries. The protesters were stopped by the State Police before they could advance towards Rinas, while the officers created a cordon on the road and asked citizens to clear the road.

After clashing with police, the protesters retreated, ending the march.

The blockade of the road to the airport caused strong public and political debate.

Some of the organizers stated that they were not disbanded, despite several attempts.

According to them, blocking Rinas Airport is not their goal, as "Albanians come and go from there."

The protest in Tirana has also been accompanied by support rallies in other cities and abroad, including several European capitals, as well as the United States and Canada.


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