FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Heavy rains that have engulfed Tirana have forced organizers to temporarily halt speeches at the 25th anti-government protest. However, the bad weather has not kept citizens away from the square.
Dozens of protesters continue to stand in front of the Prime Minister's Office building, soaked by the torrential rain, but determined not to interrupt the rally. Although the podium has been silenced due to the weather conditions, the protest continues through the continuous chants heard in the square.
"Rama goes", "Resign", "Rama in prison", "Berisha in prison" and "New Albania" are the slogans that are accompanying the protesters' stance in front of the Prime Minister's Office.
Footage from the square shows citizens who, despite the rain, have not chosen to leave, turning the bad weather into another test of their resilience. On the 25th day of the protest, participants are sending the message that their dissatisfaction with the government and the political class does not fade even in the storm.
While the speeches have been interrupted, the protest continues in the form of a civic rally in front of the Prime Minister's Office, with calls against Edi Rama and what the protesters describe as the political caste that has governed the country for decades.
An Albanian soprano, who has been living in France for years, joined the 25th protest held in Tirana against Prime Minister Edi Rama.
During her speech to the protesters, the artist said that she has known the prime minister since the time they studied together at the Academy of Arts, recalling an episode from their student years.
According to her, Rama used to criticize the way girls dressed, telling them not to dress like former senior communist official Lenka Çuko, while adding that today Rama has ended up worse than Lenka's costumes.
"Long live Albania! I'm here to tell Edi Rama: we were at the Academy together, we know each other well. You are an intellectual. You, who used to say 'don't dress like Lenka Çuko', have ended up worse than Lenka Çuko's costumes ," declared the soprano.
Her statement was met with reactions and applause from participants in the protest, which is taking place for the 25th consecutive day in the capital.
Pavarësisht reshjeve të shiut, protestuesit nuk u larguan nga sheshi dhe vijuan tubimin para Kryeministrisë me çadra në duar. Gjatë protestës u bë thirrje për një mobilizim edhe më të madh të shtunën, ku pjesëmarrësit deklaruan se nuk kanë ndërmend të tërhiqen.
Protestuesit e mbledhur para Kryeministrisë kanë dhënë sinjale se nuk kanë ndërmend të tërhiqen nga protestat qytetare, duke paralajmëruar vazhdimin e protestave edhe në ditët në vijim.
Edhe pse protesta e së mërkurës u zhvillua nën reshjet e shiut, pjesëmarrësit qëndruan në shesh me çadra në duar dhe vijuan tubimin, duke përsëritur thirrjet dhe kërkesat e tyre ndaj qeverisë.
Gjatë protestës, një prej pjesëmarrësve bëri thirrje për mobilizim më të madh në protestën e paralajmëruar për ditën e shtunë para Kryeministrisë.
“Nesër edhe më shumë”, u shpreh ai, duke iu referuar rritjes së pjesëmarrjes në protestat e ardhshme.
Organizatorët dhe protestuesit deklarojnë se do të vijojnë tubimet deri në realizimin e kërkesave të tyre, ndërsa protesta e së shtunës pritet të jetë një nga mobilizimet më të mëdha të javëve të fundit.
Pavarësisht kushteve atmosferike, pjesëmarrësit theksuan se shiu nuk i ka penguar të dalin në shesh dhe të shprehin pakënaqësitë e tyre, duke e konsideruar praninë e tyre një shenjë vendosmërie për të vazhduar protestën.
Activist Sidorela Vatnikaj was one of the citizens who spoke at the 25th protest against Prime Minister Rama in Tirana.
She stated that citizens have begun to build a new political spirit and that the protests have already brought changes in the way Albanian society articulates its dissatisfaction.
During her speech to the protesters, the activist responded to criticism of the discussions and messages conveyed from the protest podium, arguing that the topics raised for weeks have been absent from the public debate and traditional media.
"For all those who say that the speeches on this podium are of no level, have you ever heard these speeches about corruption, about healthcare, about autocracy, about the media, about the oligarchy, about the old political parties? Have you heard these articulations in the captured and sold media, whose owners are also strategic investors?" said Vatnikaj.
According to her, the protests of recent weeks have created a new form of civic representation and have brought into the spotlight issues that, according to her, have not been sufficiently addressed by politics and the media.
"For more than three weeks, Albanian society, you here in the square, have built a new political articulation. You have already built a new social contract. Albanian society has political articulation, there is also anger and says: 'Enough is enough'," she said.
The activist emphasized that, despite the skepticism of some critics, the protest has already achieved one of its main objectives: mobilizing citizens.
"For all those who think that the heat, the holidays or anything else can stop this movement, I think they are waiting for the success of this protest. Success has been achieved. Albanian society has taken to the streets, it is no longer afraid and can no longer be blackmailed for its livelihood. People are looking for a new Albania," Vatnikaj declared.
She concluded her speech by calling for a new social and political model in the country.
"I've been here for three weeks to say that we can't live like this anymore. We want a new Albania, with a new contract. A new Albania!", said the activist.
The storm hits Tirana, but not the protest; citizens remain in front of the Prime Minister's Office
The heavy rain, thunder, and lightning that engulfed Tirana during the evening have not stopped the protesters who have been demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the removal of the government for 25 days.
Although soaked by the torrential rain, dozens of citizens continue to stand in front of the Prime Minister's Office building, showing that the bad weather has not dampened their determination. Amid the heavy rain, the cries that have now become symbols of the protest continue to be heard: "Rama go away", "Resign", "Rama in prison, Berisha in prison" and "New Albania".
The 25th protest is taking place in a special climate, where for the first time protesters are facing difficult weather conditions, but without retreating from the square.
Among the speakers was Gerti Sinani, who introduced himself as a former Navy soldier and part of the public administration. In his speech, he articulated strong accusations against Prime Minister Edi Rama and the way the country is governed.
" Rama paid 1 billion euros to the Elysee, this is how African tyrants acted, they took the wealth of their countries to save themselves ," he declared to the protesters.
Sinani did not spare criticism of the opposition either, accusing former Prime Minister Sali Berisha of dividing Albanians. " Sali divided the north from the south, this blessed people ," he said.
Another strong moment of the protest was the speech of a citizen, who stated that Albanians are facing economic difficulties every day, a lack of medicines in hospitals and unaffordable costs for medical treatments. She emphasized that neither pressures, nor labels, nor bad weather will stop the protest.
" A society that did not stop the pressures for the workplace, nor the personal labels of Mr. Rama, does not stop even the rain. Today it is saying to Europe: be with us and not with the autocrat. Is it possible to live with an autocratic prime minister, with oligarchs who take away even the mountains and the sea? We ask the justice system to go to the end. Even the sidewalk is taken to build palaces and towers. Is it possible to live like Albanians live, where you have to open a GoFundMe or take out a loan because there is no medicine in the hospital? ", declared the protester.
Despite the bad weather, the protest continues in front of the Prime Minister's Office, while the organizers have announced that the civic mobilization will continue in the coming days.
Among the speakers at the protest was Gerti Sinani, who introduced himself as a former naval officer and public administration official. In his speech, he strongly criticized Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing him of mismanagement of public assets and his way of governing.
Sinan also drew comparisons to authoritarian regimes, claiming that political leaders are trying to secure their personal interests at the expense of the country.
"Rama paid 1 billion euros to the Elysee, this is how African tyrants acted, they took the wealth of their countries to save themselves," he declared during the protest.
His speech also included criticism of the leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha. The protester stated that the opposition also bears responsibility for the political developments of recent years, accusing Berisha of having contributed to the division of Albanians.
"Sali divided the north from the south, this blessed people," he added.
During her speech, a protester stated that citizens face numerous difficulties in daily life, citing the lack of medicines in hospitals and the high costs of medical treatments.
The protester also called on the European Union, according to her, to support Albanian citizens and not what she described as autocratic governance.
She stated that the protests will continue regardless of pressures or weather conditions, while demanding that justice institutions investigate cases of corruption and abuse of public property to the end.
"A society that did not stop the pressures for the workplace, nor the personal labels of Mr. Rama, does not stop even the rain. Today it is telling Europe to be with us and not with the autocrat. On one of these days, one of our friends asked a question... Well, in the Diaspora we are not afraid, but are you in Albania afraid to go out to protest? And I answered you, is it possible to live with an autocratic prime minister, with oligarchs who take away even the mountains and the sea? We ask the justice system to go all the way. Even the sidewalk is taken to build palaces and towers. Is it possible to live like Albanians live, where you have to open a GoFoundMe or take out a loan because there is no medicine in the hospital," the protester said.
Protesters gathered in Tirana on Wednesday reiterated their main demands during the 25th anti-government protest. In front of the Prime Minister's Office, participants demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the removal of the government, and changes to the political system.
With numerous banners and slogans, citizens have expressed their dissatisfaction with what they consider misgovernment, corruption and lack of accountability from state institutions. Among the most heard slogans during the rally were "Rama resigns", "Down with dictatorship", "Revolution" and "New Albania".
Some of the protesters have also called for changes to the Electoral Code, arguing that reforms are needed that guarantee fairer representation and more opportunities for citizens in decision-making processes.
Qytetarët janë mbledhur sërish këtë të mërkurë në Tiranë, në ditën e 25-të radhazi të protestës kundër kryeministrit Edi Rama. Tubimi, i cili prej javësh po zhvillohet në kryeqytet, ka vijuar me marshimin e protestuesve drejt godinës së Kryeministrisë, aty ku mbahen fjalimet kryesore të protestës.
Pas fjalimeve, qytetarët do të marshojnë në rrugët kryesore të Tiranës, duke valëvitur flamuj kombëtarë dhe duke lëshuar thirrje në shenjë revolte ndaj qeverisë dhe sistemit politik.
Protestuesit kanë përsëritur kërkesën e tyre kryesore se, dorëheqja e kryeministrit Edi Rama është e panegociueshme. Njëkohësisht, ata kanë kërkuar që Strukturat e Posaçme Kundër Korrupsionit dhe Krimit të Organizuar (SPAK) të veprojnë dhe të japin drejtësi.
Mesazhet e tyre janë shprehur edhe përmes pankartave të mbajtura gjatë marshimit. Disa prej tyre mbanin mbishkrimet: “Atdheu nuk është në shitje”, “Rama në burg, Berisha në burg”, “Programi i qeverisë Rama: F*ck you”, “Rama jep dorëheqjen”, “Edi Rama o legen, prite popullin se po vjen”, dhe “Edi Rama o tradhtar, me Shqipërinë mos bëj pazar”.
Protestuesit iu referuan edhe deklaratave të fundit të kryeministrit Edi Rama për median ndërkombëtare "Financial Times", duke iu përgjigjur gjatë protestës me të njëjtat mesazhe që, sipas tyre, janë përdorur ndaj qytetarëve që kundërshtojnë qeverinë.
Tubimi i sotëm shënon ditën e 25-të të një serie protestash të pandërprera, të cilat organizatorët dhe pjesëmarrësit i konsiderojnë si një shprehje të pakënaqësisë qytetare ndaj qeverisjes aktuale dhe funksionimit të institucioneve në vend.
Protesters have repeated calls such as "Down with the dictatorship", "Rama resigns", "Revolution" and "New Albania"...
The march towards the Prime Minister's Office has begun for the 25th time, where citizens and activists have gathered again to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the removal of his government.
During the gathering, protesters chanted slogans such as "Down with the dictatorship," "Rama resigns," "Revolution," and "New Albania ," expressing their dissatisfaction with the government.
Among the banners held by the protesters was the message: ' This government must go, because it has stolen from us.'
One of the protesters, in a statement during the gathering in Skanderbeg Square, stated that one of the main demands of the movement is the amendment of the Electoral Code, which he considered necessary to guarantee a fairer political representation. He stated that he is determined to continue participating in the protests and in any democratic form of civic reaction until the departure of the current government, emphasizing that according to him the country needs political and institutional change.
Organizers see today's protest as the culmination of a series of civic mobilizations that have been ongoing for more than three weeks. According to them, civic discontent has now transcended the initial cause and has transformed into a broader reaction to corruption, misgovernance, lack of accountability, and the phenomenon of youth emigration.
The 24th protest took place on Tuesday evening, during which protesters marched on several main axes of the capital before gathering in front of the Prime Minister's Office building. At the end of the rally, the participants reiterated their main demand, calling for the resignation of the head of government.
During yesterday's protest, citizens held banners and shouted slogans against the government, as the march passed through several areas of Tirana before ending in the center of the capital.
High participation is expected for today's protest, while the organizers have called for the continuation of civic mobilization until their demands are met.
During the gathering in Skanderbeg Square, one of the protesters said that the state has demolished his house for 10 years and he is still on a rent bonus and the state in the offices is arrogant and does not give him solutions. He adds that Rama has turned the country into a prison.
The protester also expressed dissatisfaction with the cost of living, unemployment and public services, criticizing the government and Prime Minister Edi Rama for the situation in the country.
Protester: They have left nothing unscathed. We don't know where the taxes go. Oil is more expensive than anywhere else. They have demolished our houses. I have years of rent bonuses and I don't know when I will get my house. Where will we go? My life is gone. I am ready to do anything, I am dying for myself. My children are in school and no one is taking them to work. There is a lot of chaos in the offices. Go to the water supply company, the same thing. I have a son and a daughter without work. Where to start them, where to leave them. Albania is the one to blame. Afghanistan. Edi Rama has sent him back to prison.
Sot në Tiranë do të mbahet protesta e 25-të radhazi ku qytetarët kërkojnë largimin e kryeministrit Edi Rama.
Tubimi, i cili prej javësh mbahet në kryeqytet, ka mbledhur qytetarë nga profesione dhe grupmosha të ndryshme, të cilët shprehin pakënaqësitë e tyre ndaj qeverisë.
Mes pjesëmarrësve ishte edhe një profesor i Letërsisë, i cili gjatë fjalës së tij argumentoi pse, sipas tij, protesta duhet të vazhdojë. Ai tha se kjo lëvizje qytetare ka rikthyer shpresën dhe besimin te ndryshimi, duke e cilësuar atë si një shenjë të qëndresës së shqiptarëve.
“Kjo protestë zgjoi dëshirën, ëndrrën dhe shpresën. Është një tregues se shqiptarët janë si feniksi,” u shpreh ai.
Profesori renditi një sërë problematikash që, sipas tij, prekin qytetarët, duke përmendur korrupsionin, dhunën shtetërore, mungesën e përfaqësimit dhe kufizimin e së drejtës së fjalës.
“Paguajmë korrupsionin, dhunën shtetërore. Paguajmë ujin që nuk është i pijshëm. Mosrealizimi i të drejtës së përfaqësimit, dhe ndaj duhet të protestojmë. E drejta e fjalës është e dhunuar. Flet kryeministri në të gjitha televizionet, nuk dëgjohet qytetari. Këta përfaqësojnë derisa marrin votat. Po shkatërrojnë Shqipërinë, jetën e qytetarit,” deklaroi ai.
Duke iu referuar vazhdimësisë së protestave, ai tha se qytetarët nuk duhet të heqin dorë nga kërkesat e tyre.
“Nëse kupa u derdh, atëherë çfarë ka mbetur për t’u bërë? Evropa dhe Amerika duhet të kuptojnë se është çështje e dhunimit të të drejtës së ekzistencës dhe jo vetëm e Zvërnecit,” theksoi profesori.
Gjithashtu, profesori e cilësoi situatën aktuale si një moment kritik për demokracinë në vend. “Ky moment është fundi i një demokracie fiktive, fasadë,” u shpreh ai.
Lini një Përgjigje