Adriatik Lapaj organized the second national protest today, turning the square into a platform for direct accusations against the government and what he called “institutionalized thieving.” In his speech, Lapaj declared that this was the 28th day of civic resistance, a battle that according to him is not about numbers, but about justice and dignity.
“Today the world is freer, because a dictator across the ocean has fallen and an autocrat is facing us,” said Lapaj, placing the protest in a broader political context. He described the confrontation as an open war with thieves, emphasizing that even a single citizen’s stance is a righteous act of resistance.
Lapaj then raised a series of rhetorical questions that directly targeted the government’s unfulfilled promises: drinking water, law and order, the fight against crime, drugs and corruption. “Do we have water today? Do we have law and order? Do we have crime and drugs today?” he asked, adding that Albania has become one of the most corrupt countries in Europe. At the height of his speech, Lapaj called for the resignation of what he described as the most corrupt figure in government.
The protest was also accompanied by speeches from various citizens, as well as immigrants from abroad, who spoke about the mass exodus, the disappointment and lack of hope that, according to them, has forced them to abandon the country. Their testimonies gave the rally a personal and emotional dimension, reflecting the accumulated civic dissatisfaction.
Shortly before the end of the protest, the situation became tense. Adriatik Lapaj and some of his supporters physically clashed with the police, after the protesters claimed that civilians had approached to photograph the protest participants. The clash began with verbal arguments and escalated into pushing and shoving, lasting for several minutes, as can be seen in the video footage from the scene. Police forces intervened to bring the situation under control, while the crowd gradually dispersed. Up to now, there has been no official announcement about any injured or escorted people.
Meanwhile, supporters of Albania Is Being Made also took a symbolic action, placing a more solid tent in place of the chair that had previously served as a sign of resistance. According to them, this action aims to continue the protest in the coming days, when rain is forecast, as well as to send a message that the civic stance will not be interrupted regardless of the weather conditions.
The second national protest thus ended amid calls against corruption, clashes with the police, and signals that the protest action will continue.
