Demonstrators accuse both government and opposition of failing citizens as tensions rise in Tirana
TIRANA, June 12 (BV) – Anti-government protests in Albania entered their 13th consecutive day on Friday, with tensions escalating outside the prime minister’s office after clashes broke out between demonstrators and supporters of the ruling Socialist Party.
The incidents occurred after the Socialist Party marked the 35th anniversary of its founding at Tirana’s Italia Square, only a short distance from the protest gathering in front of government headquarters.
Earlier in the day, protest organizers had urged participants to avoid the Socialist Party event and remain vigilant against possible provocations as demonstrators marched toward the prime minister’s office.
“Do not go near the Socialist Party rally. Be careful of provocations,” activist Alban Kola told protesters through a loudspeaker as the march moved through central Tirana.
According to Albanian media reports and footage from the scene, verbal confrontations between protesters and Socialist Party supporters later escalated into pushing and scuffles before police intervened to separate the groups and prevent further violence.
The protest movement, which began nearly two weeks ago, has grown into one of the most visible expressions of public discontent in Albania in recent years. Demonstrators are demanding the cancellation of a controversial development project in the protected coastal area of Zvërnec, while broader calls have expanded to include political reforms, greater institutional accountability and changes to the electoral system.
The protests have also taken on a strongly anti-establishment tone, with participants increasingly directing criticism not only at Prime Minister and the ruling Socialist Party but also at the opposition.
During marches through the capital, protesters chanted slogans such as “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison” and accused opposition parties of failing to provide a credible alternative.
“Opposition for sale,” protesters shouted as some groups passed near the headquarters of the opposition Democratic Party.
Speaking at the Socialist Party anniversary event, Rama dismissed accusations against his government and criticized the protest organizers, describing the demonstrations as part of the normal democratic process rather than a challenge to his administration’s legitimacy.
Protest organizers, however, insisted that the movement remains independent of political parties and warned against attempts by either the government or the opposition to capitalize on public dissatisfaction.
Several speakers called on public sector employees and civil servants to join the demonstrations, arguing that the protests represented a broader demand for political change.
The Zvërnec project has become a focal point of public debate in Albania after critics accused the government of allowing large-scale development in an environmentally sensitive coastal area. Authorities argue that the investment will boost tourism, economic growth and employment.
Despite the clashes, there were no immediate reports of serious injuries or arrests.
Organizers vowed to continue daily demonstrations, setting the stage for further confrontations as tensions between protesters and political actors deepen in the coming days.