The civic protest in front of the Prime Minister's Office entered its 59th day today, with participants reiterating that they will not withdraw until their demands are met, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and a change in the country's political course.
One of the speakers at the protest was doctor Ermal Pashaj, who accused the government of abusing the sacrifices of citizens and violating the national interest.
"Do not forget that the legitimacy of this strongman comes because of the sweat and blood of the Albanian people. This country does not have to be given up piece by piece, even by violating national security. The Prime Minister is not satisfied by putting the knife in the marrow of this people. But we do not give up. We will be here until the end," he declared to the protesters.
According to Pashaj, institutions no longer respect the dignity of citizens, and the protest will continue until its demands are answered.
A citizen also spoke at the rally, quoting excerpts from a US State Department report, linking its findings to the accusations that protesters have been making against the government for weeks.
According to her, the report highlights that Albania continues to face challenges related to organized crime, corruption, lack of transparency and impunity.
"Albania remains a country where increased caution is required due to organized crime. Criminal organizations are involved in international trafficking and money laundering. Corruption and lack of transparency remain a problem, while impunity continues to be serious. These are precisely the reasons why we have been in this square for 59 days," she said.
At the end of her speech, the protester declared that the movement will not stop, emphasizing that participation will continue throughout the month of August.
The protest in front of the Prime Minister's Office continues every evening, while the organizers insist that the civic mobilization will continue until the demands they have announced are met.
