With umbrellas in hand, the protesters continued with the same chants, and for 25 days they have been heard saying in unison: “Rama to jail, Berisha to jail,” “Your end has come,” “Resignation,” “More tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, one protester revealed that the nationwide protests will continue again. The next protest is expected to be held on Saturday in Tirana, and citizens were asked to cooperate in multiplying the number of protesters by bringing their family members with them to the square.

Citizen: We inform all Albanians wherever they are that on Saturday we should all come together to bring this down. Rama, Rama f*ck you. Rama to jail, Berisha to jail! You are extraordinary, no one believed you would be so many on a rainy day. Do not forget, more tomorrow, let’s double, triple the numbers. Let us be here until he is no longer here. More tomorrow!

The post With Umbrellas in Hand, Protesters Call for Revolution, Another Nationwide Protest Announced: Bring Your Family Members, We Double on Saturday appeared first on Albeu.com.

During his speech, the head of state said the event was being held at a time when citizens are publicly expressing their concerns and expectations peacefully.

Begaj stressed that, in keeping with the constitutional position and neutrality of the President, the right to express oneself and to take part in public life is a value protected by the Constitution.

According to him, this right must be exercised in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the country.

The President underlined that the consolidation of democracy and the country’s sustainable development rest on the shared commitment of citizens and institutions to act in line with the Constitution, the national interest, and the public interest.

“The constitutional framework, together with the rules of the rule of law and democracy, constitute the main guarantee for the proper functioning of society,” Begaj said.

The head of state added that he remains committed to defending the Constitution, the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as fostering a climate of cooperation and dialogue that serves the national interest, the country’s European future, and its Euro-Atlantic values.

In the rest of his speech, Begaj praised the Tirana Prefecture as an institution that, since 1926, has served as a bridge between central government and local communities, ensuring stability, order, and development.

He said the 100th anniversary of this institution is a moment for reflection on the role of public administration and the need to improve the quality of service to citizens.

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Because the drama is not only on the coast. It is not only about the flamingos, the lagoon, the luxury resorts or the iron fences. The drama is also in Tirana, in the heart of an area that was once sold as peace, greenery and clean air, but is now turning into an endless construction site. Dry Lake is not drying up from a lack of water, but from an excess of concrete. It is being suffocated every day by trucks, dust, noise, heavy machinery and permits that come down from above like orders to destroy even the little nature the capital has left.

Residents are not complaining about one more apartment block or one less. They are complaining about a way of governing. They are complaining that the roads are blocked by heavy-duty vehicles, that children can no longer go outside as they used to, that windows cannot be opened because of the dust, that the peace they invested in has been replaced by the noise of cranes. So the problem is not simply urban planning. It is social, economic, environmental and political.

In the olive-covered hills near Dry Lake, as Albeu.com has learned, excavation of the hillside has begun for the “Centaurea” project by the company “Bega-07” sh.p.k., owned by businessman Arben Muçobega.

This is a major construction project with 15 buildings of up to 9 floors, on an area of about 31,000 square meters of land and with nearly 94,000 square meters of construction above and below ground. This is not “development integrated with nature,” as marketing brochures usually package it. This is the classic formula of Albanian concretization: first you call the area green, then you advertise it as luxury, and in the end you hand it over to concrete.

This is where the greatest hypocrisy lies. For every such project, there is always a beautiful vocabulary: “harmony with nature,” “green lifestyle,” “new urban landscape,” “European standard.” But when the olive trees are removed, when the hills are flattened, when the landscape is destroyed and when residents live amid dust and without parking spaces, there is no marketing language left that can cover up the truth. The truth is that Tirana is losing its lungs, neighborhood by neighborhood, hill by hill, lake by lake.

Zvërnec shocked us because we saw violence in a brutal way: a citizen being dragged along the ground, private guards, fences, spray, a state appearing powerless in the face of private interests. But at Dry Lake the violence is quieter. It does not come with punches, but with permits. It does not drag people along the ground in front of cameras, but drags their lives through traffic, dust and noise every morning. It does not use pepper spray, but uses concrete as a weapon against the city.

And that is exactly what makes it more dangerous. Because when violence is visible, the citizen reacts. When violence comes with documents, decisions, signatures, 3D projects and luxury advertising, society often remains silent. This silence is our biggest problem. We are outraged when we see a body being dragged along the ground, but we do not react when an entire neighborhood is dragged toward concrete.

Dry Lake is the mirror of a Tirana that is being built without ideas, without soul, without infrastructure and without mercy for the citizen. Apartment blocks are built, but not schools. Luxury apartments are sold, but quality of life is not guaranteed. Construction sites are opened, but the community is not asked. Property prices rise, but the value of living falls. In the end, the citizen is left surrounded by walls, while those in power boast of development.

That is why Albanians have even more reason to protest, because it is not only Zvërnec. The same mentality that surrounds Zvërnec with fences is flattening the olive-covered hills at Dry Lake. The same government that talks about elite tourism on the coast talks about green residences built on concrete in Tirana. The same system that sees nature as merchandise sees the citizen as an obstacle.

Unfortunately, the years-long silence over unchecked construction in Tirana brought us the Zvërnec scandal. And today, you are protesting for Zvërnec, but turn your head toward Dry Lake as well. Because there, in silence, the same story is unfolding: Albania is being covered in concrete with permits, advertising and institutional smiles. And when a city loses its greenery, it does not lose only nature. It loses reason, breath and the future. /albeu.com/

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They have declared that they do not want negotiations with Prime Minister Rama, but his resignation. With chants of “Rama resign,” “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison,” the protesters say they are determined in their stance.

We recall that this is the 24th protest, while their revolt has drawn national and international attention. Alongside the gathering in Tirana, protests have also been held in London, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and Austria.

The post Protesters’ march continues in Tirana: Rama resigns, there will be no negotiations! appeared first on Albeu.com.

They have begun their speeches in front of the government building, while hundreds of thousands of citizens have filled the boulevard. With banners in their hands and red-and-black flags, they called for change.

The post Protesters move in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, speeches begin: Edi Rama, resign! appeared first on Albeu.com.

Among the crowd of protesters, the banners, flags and megaphones stand out, remaining the most visible elements of this gathering.

As time passes, the number of participants is gradually increasing, before they then head toward the Prime Minister’s Office, where they will deliver speeches against the government.

The post The 24th Day of the Protest, Citizens Gather Again in Skanderbeg Square appeared first on Albeu.com.

Investigators took a sample from Eglant’s mother and, after carrying out all the necessary analyses, were unfortunately able to confirm that the body is that of the 34-year-old who was killed by citizen Armand Shakaj.

The Koçi family has been informed of the DNA results and is expected to appear at the premises of Tirana’s Institute of Forensic Medicine to collect Eglant’s body and lay him to rest.

Eglant Koçi was last seen on June 4 in the area of Wilson Square in Tirana, while riding a motorbike. In footage also published by Newsbomb.al, the young man was seen at a car repair shop just a few hours before he lost all contact with his family.

One day later, on June 5, his relatives reported his disappearance to the police, setting the authorities in motion.

In the following days, Serious Crimes officers managed to find the 34-year-old’s motorbike near the “5 Maji” area, and later identified the place where he is suspected of having been taken after the abduction.

However, according to investigators, only the suspected perpetrator, Armand Shakaj, later emerged from the place where Eglant Koçi had entered. He is also known as “Mand Dhelpra.” He executed the 34-year-old and put his body in a black bag, which he then threw into a ravine in the village of Cërruje.

Police have declared 41-year-old Armand Shakaj wanted, as he is suspected of abducting and killing the young man, his friend. Investigators are verifying whether he acted alone or in cooperation with other people.

The post DNA confirms the death of Eglant Koçi, the 34-year-old was executed by his close friend and the body was found a week later on the outskirts of Tirana appeared first on Albeu.com.

In the same reaction, he also mocked the participation of Albanians from Kosovo and North Macedonia, portraying them in a sarcastic tone as people coming to “save Albania.”

“A state is built without losing the direction of history. I have received many messages as if the thought of resigning had crossed my mind. Because more and more, people are beginning to see that this is something that stands neither in heaven nor on earth. No reasonable Albanian can accept Tirana becoming a parade ground for a crowd that goes to block the airport. No one can accept this. Naturally, the gradual withdrawal of the attention of those who went there to take the stage and the remaining group, where there is a terrible mixture and it is a nationwide mixture. People are coming from Kosovo, from Macedonia, to save Albania in the name of Albanians. They are clamoring for the nation to gather here,” Rama said, among other things, in his public reaction.

Instead of interpreting this participation as a sign of national connection and interest in developments affecting all Albanians, the head of the Albanian government chose irony and ridicule. Such an approach raises serious questions both about how he views the protest and about the meaning he gives to national solidarity.

In this context, the question also arises: what lies at the core of this mockery? Is Rama underestimating the right of Albanians, wherever they live, to express concern and solidarity over developments in Albania?

Ndoj: Rama frightened by the hurricane of protest

Commenting on this issue for “Bota sot,” commentator Llesh Ndoj from Albania said that the way Rama is reacting is no different from the behavior of autocrats in different countries and periods.

According to Ndoj, with his latest statements about Albanians from Kosovo and North Macedonia, Rama is trying to confuse the cause of the protest with its forms and means.

“First of all, let me say that Rama’s reaction to the protest as a whole is no different from the reactions of autocrats all over the world and throughout all times. What is the essence? The deliberate confusion of causes with the means and forms of organization, in order to diminish their weight and importance and to exclude himself from responsibility.”

He added that at the center of the protest stand Rama’s arrogance and deafness, while regarding the participation of Albanians from Kosovo, he stressed that they are welcome when the issues have a national character.

“Now let us get a little more specific. The current protest is caused by the arrogance and deafness of Rama and his autocratic ruling class, although it remains diverse in participation, slogans, and solutions. As for the participation of Kosovars, or Albanians who are not citizens of Albania, even though in principle they are always welcome, especially when it comes to national issues, when it comes to ‘down with this one and up with that one,’ perhaps they do not have the proper effect,” he elaborated.

Further, Ndoj said the prime minister appears insecure and frightened by the power of the protest, while his behavior, according to him, is revealing weakness and further fueling discontent.

“Nevertheless, the Prime Minister, not being calm, perhaps also visibly frightened by the hurricane of protest, because Albania is and must remain the epicenter of the Albanian national project, should have treated his fellow nationals with more respect, just like all the other protesters.

Clownish movements, sarcasm, mockery, and labeling only show his weakness and add fuel to the protest,” Ndoj concluded for “Bota sot.”

Kapiti: Albanians from Kosovo and Macedonia are Albanians and patriots

Publicist Skënder Kapiti also opposed Edi Rama’s latest statements regarding the protests in Albania.

Kapiti harshly criticized the prime minister and the Socialist Party, accusing them of using Albania and national interests for power and personal glory.

“The protests of the youth, citizens, and the diaspora in Albania are not protests, as Rama has commented, aimed at creating ‘collective hysteria’ and seeking public attention. This is how they are labeled by this charlatan, who, according to his critics, cannot be called a prime minister, but anti-human, anti-Albanian, and oppressive. The youth and national protests are showing not only pan-Albanian public opinion, but also world opinion, the deeds and what this prime minister has done to his nation and his state.

Edi Rama, you are not the only one to blame for this, but also the Socialist Party of Albania that chose you as its leader and then gave you four mandates in power. Rama, your power and your party have built for you a false glory, and you have gained support in European diplomacy by speculating, oppressing, exploiting, and using Albania and national interests for power and personal glory.

According to your critics, as an anti-Albanian you have even gained respect among the historical enemies of Albanians. You have been and have behaved with cunning and hypocrisy against national agendas and in the service of anti-Albanian ones, using and exploiting power. Upon the damage, destruction, and suffering of Albanians caused by your clique and by the Socialist Party, you have built your ‘personality,’” he declared.

In his remarks to “Bota sot,” Kapiti also said that the latest protests in Tirana will remove Rama from power, because in his view citizens have now understood his game and his anti-Albanian politics.

“These protests will not only remove Rama from power, but they are also sealing on him the stigma of a prime minister considered by his opponents as among the most anti-Albanian in history.

Edi Rama and his Socialist Party, according to the protesters, have harmed no one but Albanians.

The people have labeled him, his politics and his power, as well as the people around him, as thieves and traitors. At the protest, the entire old politics of the 35-year transition was condemned. Rama and the Renaissance team, together with the pack of ignorant and servile men of letters and the bought media, left no label unused against the protesters: at times they were said to be incited by Greece, Serbia, Russia, or Iran, while now they are also using mockery against Albanians from Kosovo and Macedonia who are showing solidarity with the protesters.”

The publicist also focused on Rama’s approach toward Kosovo, saying that he has taken more positions and decisions against it and in favor of Serbia.

In particular, he criticized him for supporting the project for the partition of Kosovo and “Open Balkan.”

“Edi Rama, toward Kosovo, has not only given ‘messages,’ but according to his critics, has also undertaken actions, behavior, and even ‘projects’ against the interests of Kosovo and Albanians, and in favor of Serbia. He has been accused of supporting the partition of Kosovo and the Mini-Schengen project, which his opponents consider harmful for Kosovo and Albania.

According to his critics, he has never criticized the Serbian president nor Belgrade’s policy for their destabilizing actions toward Kosovo, for supporting and financing Serbian criminal and terrorist groups in Kosovo.

According to his opponents, he has been an advocate for Serbia’s president whenever the European Union has criticized and condemned Belgrade over provocations and threats against Kosovo’s territory,” he underlined for “Bota sot.”

Kapiti went on to praise the participation of protesters from Kosovo and North Macedonia, saying they are right not to remain indifferent to what is happening.

He called on Rama to at least resign for everything that, according to him, he has caused the Albanian state.

“Albanians from Kosovo and Macedonia are Albanians and patriots, who cannot remain indifferent to what is happening in Albania and to these major and patriotic protests taking place in Tirana, regardless of whether Edi Rama likes it or not.

Edi Rama, whom one media outlet and some European figures, according to the author, have labeled as ‘the best Serbian prime minister after Pašić,’ is being asked to resign.

Rama must resign as the minimum level of accountability before citizens and Albania, and leave power, because the Albanian diaspora has also risen against him, as have those who abandoned the homeland because of his policies and governance, which opponents consider corrupt and criminalized.

Now, according to his critics, even his wisecracks and rhetoric have been exhausted, like those of a rooster standing atop the pile of corruption of the government and the Renaissance team. Even his associates, according to the protesters, are tired of listening to him,” he stressed.

In the end, Kapiti called for the protesters’ appeals in Tirana to be taken seriously and for Rama to leave power once and for all.

“Look at and listen to the people and the sovereign protesting every day in Tirana, in the cities of Albania, and in the capitals of Europe against you and against the regime that protesters consider corrupt and anti-Albanian. Answer before the protesters and their causes: ‘Albania belongs to Albanians, not traitors’ and ‘Albania is not for sale.’ And you understand who the traitor is and who bargains with Albanian lands.

However, Albanians in Albania never protested nor opposed their prime minister when he intervened in Kosovo’s affairs without being authorized by anyone in Kosovo. Likewise, they did not react when he behaved and acted openly, according to his critics, to the detriment of Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Skënder Kapiti concluded for “Bota sot.”

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The data were revealed in a recent report by Tradingpedia, which calculates that the ratio of expenses as a percentage of salary for a single person living in Tirana is 112.2%.

This is the second-highest level in Europe, behind only Lisbon, Portugal, where the indicator stands at 121.4%.

Tirana and Lisbon are the only cities in Europe where the average monthly salary is not enough for an individual to get through the month, taking into account spending on food, housing, transport, personal care and entertainment.

To determine which capitals offer the best standard of living with the lowest financial burden relative to monthly income, Tradingpedia compared data from 37 European capitals, taking into account daily expenses and average monthly net salaries (“real” pay after all taxes and deductions are subtracted from gross salary). The information for Albania was processed by Monitor.

In Albania, the average monthly net salary is 760 euros, while the report estimates that a single individual needs 852 euros to live normally.

The biggest expense is rent, which absorbs 93% of income, leaving the individual with only 50 euros from their salary, meaning they would have to borrow money, choose to keep living with their parents, or share rent with someone else.

Earlier, Monitor reported that the average rent for apartments in Tirana for 2026 had reached 721 euros per month, according to data from real estate agencies.

According to the international coefficient used to assess housing affordability, rent is considered affordable when it does not exceed 30% of a household’s or individual’s gross monthly income.

When rent exceeds 30% of monthly income, it is considered unaffordable and signals housing-related financial stress for a household. If it rises above 50%, this condition is called an extreme “housing cost burden,” which increases the risk of housing insecurity.

According to calculations based on the international coefficient formula, an individual must spend 77% of their gross income, or 720 euros, to cover rent expenses.

If the average net salary of around 72,000 lekë (740 euros) is taken into account, rent expenses reach around 97% of monthly net income, making housing practically unaffordable for an average individual.

In both cases, the indicators remain significantly above the 30% threshold considered the affordability limit for housing costs.

Cost of living for an individual, the highest in the region

According to the Tradingpedia report, in Serbia monthly expenses for a single individual are 994 euros, but with the higher net salary of 1,084 euros, the indicator is 91.7%.

In North Macedonia, with a monthly net salary similar to Albania’s at 769 euros, an individual needs 702 euros to maintain a normal standard of living, or 91.3% of income.

In Podgorica, 759 euros are enough, while the average monthly net salary is 1,013 euros.

The lowest cost of living in the region is in Bosnia and Herzegovina, at 584 euros, for a salary of 883 euros, or 66.2%.

In Tirana, the cost of living for an individual is relatively higher even than in London, where 86% of income is needed, or in Rome (93.5%).

The cheapest city is Brussels, where half of one’s income is enough for an individual to live normally.

Tradingpedia has also calculated the cost of living for an average family of four, with two adults working for average wages.

According to this indicator, the family’s income is 1,520 euros per month, assuming that two adults are working and earning average salaries. Expenses for a family of four are estimated at 1,353 euros per month, requiring nearly 90% of income to be spent. The cost of living falls/Monitor

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The large number of citizens are heading toward Skanderbeg Square, continuing the protest route under the chants “Rama, leave!” and “Edi Rama, resign”.

Earlier, in addition to demanding the prime minister’s resignation, they called on administration employees to join the march.

Their message was that the country’s problems affect everyone without distinction, whether it is the lack of drinking water, the pollution of rivers, or the consequences of the pandemic.

According to them, the only division that exists is the one created by Edi Rama, who after more than 20 days of protests must understand that his end has come.

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