Yes, with its already planetary echo, the magnificent civic Main Protest in Tirana, first of all thanks to the unprecedented massiveness, the "live" broadcasts of the largest world media networks and the accompanying peaceful manifestations in the most famous metropolises everywhere in the world, has entered and is making the new history of Albanian democracy as the prelude to the "New Albania". But now it has become unique and emblematic not only for our society and country, but also for democratic Europe. It has been electrifying society for 12 days, together with our political and governmental system; its greatest merit is that with its echo, extraordinary enthusiasm and with the new qualitative expectations, it put an end, we hope and wish, once and for all, to the apathy and protest failure of the traditional opposition. The protest has become a great point of reference and a great inspiring destination that has crossed our national borders and Albanian lands.

The causes and reasons for this truly phenomenal, non-partisan civic phenomenon are numerous and multifaceted. Let us focus specifically on the most important ones that show that with its grandeur, major values, and resounding echo, this Mega Protest, as many Albanian and foreign elite personalities are affirming, has truly become a model for Europe itself of democratic values.
We say this because the truth is that with the exception of the demonstrations in the 70s and 80s in the USA and in Europe against the war in Vietnam, in support of pacifism and against the deployment of the Pershing missiles, rallies with such a large participation of protesters as at Flamingo are unprecedented in Europe and in the West in general. In Brussels, where I have lived for 15 years, even in the national protests of recent weeks there have been no more than 50.000 people; another thing is that unlike what happens here, in Brussels, Paris, Rome, Berlin and elsewhere, even when 10.000 people protest, the government and political parties take the appropriate measures and contact the protesters to address the relevant issues; because, in democratic countries, the content of the messages is of decisive importance; while even when the numbers are large, then alarm bells ring.

The second unique feature of “Flamingo” is its inclusive character, which is guaranteed by its content, catalog and objectives for the New Albania; more than anything else, Protesta has taken its cue from a major vital and public interest, such as environmental protection in two points of extraordinary sensitivity such as Narta and Zvërnec and then expanding to other hot topics and concerns that have been crying out for solutions for a long time, but that few have listened to. That is why you find everyone there, from small children, pregnant mothers and newborn babies; students, young and old, intellectuals and the elderly from all walks of life and our entire country.

Another very important feature and merit is the revival of the almost dead feeling and desire for protest after the opposition's failure.

Equally striking is the spontaneity of the protest, the discipline and the perfect order. Everything is very well organized there, the speech is simple and truly free; therefore, slips and exaggerations cannot be avoided in speeches with somewhat broad themes. But this element has also been significantly improved, leaving room for experts in the field, without distractions and adhering to the topic.
The other factor that has made this Mega Protest that has made the "world tour" as headline news is the unique peaceful character, civic education, courtesy, respect for everyone, ethics, spirit, the truthfulness of the many messages given, flags, banners, banners, songs, music, humor, recitations, the indescribable enthusiasm and positive energies that accompany the many protesters and speakers in the square and in their march through the main streets of the capital until midnight at the end of the protest. And until the large protesting crowds disperse with the calls "More tomorrow" with cheers and songs, led by our national flag. Without any incident, without clashes and provocations; so much so that even the American Embassy has not issued any warning to its citizens. A mutual German lawyer friend who is in Tirana and is following the protest closely wrote to us these days "about the extremely peaceful character of the Protest; he was impressed that despite the long lines due to the march of the protesters, unlike before, the drivers of vehicles wait patiently and greet the protesters with their hands and by honking their horns; it seems as if Albania has been declared world champion in football"!
This is why the claims that this Protest with its accompanying rallies will scare tourists are absurd and ridiculous and the opposite is expected to happen, which has already started; for all the aforementioned reasons and features, the Protest in Tirana and everywhere else has already turned into an attractive and enjoyable political, public, media and somewhat more tourist attraction; foreign tourists are worth watching and enjoying it; in fact, they have already started to become part of it.

The political, public and media echo of this Protest, both domestic and global, is also unprecedented. Here, as always, the television network "News 24" stands out with its live coverage of the entire protest; together with Panorama Group and Balkans, with quality reports, analyses and comments from the square, the active participation of its prominent journalists and moderators, further evidence of its brilliant, objective and committed journalism when it comes to protecting and reflecting the most prominent values ​​of democracy and progress.

Another feature and merit of the Protest is that it has "translated" the reports, demands and
serious criticism of the EU. By exposing everyday troubles, slogans, banners and numerous speakers loudly and clearly recall our well-known conditions, demands and failures. At the same time, mass protesters are “taking the paint off” the government’s fuss, facade, balloons and propaganda fireworks, both at home and abroad.

Another typical feature of the Protest is the strong articulation in chorus of the slogan "REVOLUTION". But this should not scare anyone except the corrupt, the sold out and the traitors of the nation. Be careful, it is not even about a Bolshevik, communist or proletarian revolution; the protest has not given us any such sign, on the contrary. It is about vetting, that is, the radical reform of our institutional system that in the most vital aspects is not functional! Yes, Democratic Revolution, because not only do we lack good governance that the EU also requires as a condition for membership, when in our country, despite sensational promises, governance is almost absent, especially at local levels; even worse, instances and institutions at all levels have been politicized, patronized and personalized to the hilt, compromising the known steps and achievements; in this regard, we have deteriorated worse than before the 90s; because from the former State Party, today we have an even uglier and equally dangerous product: UNISHTET!

It is very important to emphasize that this Protest with its speeches and other qualitative components clearly shows that democracy is not equal to the vote, behind which no one has to hide and much less use it as a "plug" of property; that the vote is a daily responsibility to work with a European spirit and to be accountable to people, especially when it comes to protecting nature, the environment, and their lives and children. Most importantly, the vote gains value when it is accompanied and complemented by the other nine well-known elements of the democratic Decalogue, starting with genuine dialogue with citizens, information and public transparency, which for the government has remained the "last hole in the horse's hoof".

This concern is made even more serious by the bitter truth that after 1992, there have been no free and fair elections in our country, but simply well-organized and manipulated votes. Now, it is true that our majority has 83 mandates, but it is universally known that they have been caught up in all sorts of tricks, tricks, pressures, vote buying and other blatant irregularities, which can be found in all EU documents and in the EU accession negotiation frameworks; even with new homework, but for which "no one has yet put water on the fire".

But even if the elections of May 11, 2025 were free and fair, the Prime Minister should not use them as "fig leaves"; because it is the people with their word who confirm the vote of confidence as well as remove it at any moment. Otherwise, there would be no early elections after crises even in the most democratic countries.

In addition to the above, the extraordinary massiveness of this Protest in Tirana and in the diaspora proves the presence of a large gray electorate, which was apparently not counted or excluded in the past elections. Therefore, the protesters' demand for resignation is fair, legal and in respect of the Constitution!
For all these and other compelling reasons, this Protest has also been affirmed as an invitation, celebration and victory for Albanian society and democracy!

What we would like to kindly suggest is to take care to maintain the rhythm, to escalate the protest and to crown it with success as soon as possible. From Protest and Celebration to turn into an Invitation to coordinate the work to achieve the objectives, so that they do not remain just slogans. In this way
May the grand protest manifestation quickly turn into a new political Manifesto that will bring about the major changes promised and especially the New Albania.

In fact, this is a very challenging mission, because it disrupts the work and comfort not only of the rulers and traditional party members in Albania but also of those in Brussels, who fetishize and idealize the success of the government and Rama; therefore, it is not so easy for them to take the right turn. You see, no statement from them, even out of politeness, complete "dumbness" that we hope will end very soon.

The other major difficulty lies in the fact that in stark contrast to 1990, when the entire opposition and the entire international community stood united against the dictatorship, even in decline, today the situation is completely different. The revolutionary protest is directed against the two largest parties and their dinosaurs, with challenges and traps, but certainly not impossible!
In complete contrast to the spirit of this Protest are the miserable reactions and poor management of this event by Prime Minister Rama. Instead of political analysis and reflections with the relevant party and state instances and structures, he continues with tirades of attacks and insults against the protesters that are simply not befitting the stature of a Prime Minister! To the point that even the festive podiums of the 35th Anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Party are turning into "shooting ranges" and unprovoked attacks against the Protest and the media, even the international media. These arrogant attitudes and his oath that "even if 500.000 people come out to protest, the project continues" would have been envied even by the bureaucrats in 1990. It seems that political myopia is not letting him see and understand that his time is running out.
Meanwhile, without the need for theorizing, calculations and hypotheses, it is time for everyone, starting with intellectuals, artists and personalities, to become part of this protest. Until now, we have been complaining that they are partisan, so we do not find ourselves in them, that it is not civil society, etc. What now? The signs are certainly promising.

Finally, it is time to say THANK YOU to the organizers and tens of thousands of participants who, with these magnificent and unique protests in Europe, are making an epochal change in our political and public culture and behavior and are beautifying the image of our Homeland! We feel proud that thanks to these exemplary manifestations, in EU countries, in the USA and elsewhere they are saying “CHAPEAU!”

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