L'indipendente has dedicated an article to the protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama that has been taking place in Tirana for more than two months.
The protest has now entered its third month, since Albanians launched the "Flamingo Revolution" at the end of May.
The protest that initially began for protected areas and against their destruction quickly turned into a revolt and protest against the government, Prime Minister Edi Rama, and against the entire old political class.
The article further follows:
Protests launched in Albania in mid-May have entered their 76th consecutive day, as the movement known as the "Flamingo Revolt" has expanded its demands, from opposition to tourism projects in protected areas, to direct criticism of the government and the political class.
Protesters gather every afternoon in central Tirana squares and then march towards government institutions. Although the institutions are currently on summer break, organizers say the mobilization will continue.
The protesters' main demand remains the resignation of the Rama government and the change of what they consider a corrupt institutional system. Also in focus are demands for the repeal of laws related to protected areas, strategic investments and investments in mountainous areas.
Activists also demand the revocation of permits granted under these laws, arguing that they create opportunities for construction and tourism projects in territories of natural importance.
The protest extends beyond Tirana
The movement has also included other issues that have sparked public reactions. One of them is the proposal for territorial reorganization and the merger of several municipalities.
In Divjaka, citizens have been protesting for days against the proposed merger of the municipality, demanding the withdrawal of the initiative.
Meanwhile, the funding of cultural activities and Kanye West's concert in Albania has also sparked debate. Activists have criticized the funds allocated for the event, comparing it to the overall support received by independent arts in the country, and demanding changes in the policies of the Ministry of Culture.
Initiative for referendum
In addition to street protests, organizers are also pursuing institutional avenues.
The Movement for the Albanian Diaspora, together with 11 civil society organizations, has submitted to the electoral authorities a referendum question aimed at repealing the law on protected areas.
Supporters of the initiative argue that the current legal framework could pave the way for construction projects and investments that, according to them, endanger protected areas.
Meanwhile, Albanians living abroad have announced their participation in the Tirana protests on August 15 and 16, aiming to give an even broader dimension to the mobilization.
From protest for protected areas to anti-government movement
The "Flamingo Revolt" initially began as a reaction to tourism projects and real estate developments in protected areas, including the project linked to Jared Kushner's company Affinity Partners.
As the weeks passed, the protest took on a broader political character, including demands for changes in governance and opposition to the entire political class.
Clashes with police and arrests of demonstrators have also been reported during the protests. Organizers and some civil society organizations have raised allegations of excessive use of force and unlawful treatment of some of the detained individuals.
Despite the clashes and the passage of more than two months since the protests began, organizers insist that the movement will continue, while its demands now range from the protection of the territory and the environment to changing government policies and reforming institutions.
