Citizens and activists gathered in Tirana on Friday for the 83rd consecutive protest against the tourism development project in Zvërnec, with demonstrators expanding their demands to include broader concerns over protected areas, strategic investments and government policies.
The protesters assembled in Skënderbej Square before marching along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard and gathering outside the Prime Minister’s Office.
The demonstrations initially began as opposition to the proposed tourism project in Zvërnec but have increasingly developed into a broader civic movement addressing a range of political and social issues.
During Friday’s protest, participants raised concerns over Albania’s economic situation, emigration, pensions, public security and the functioning of state institutions.
Activists also reiterated their opposition to the Zvërnec project and called for greater protection of environmentally sensitive and protected areas, as well as increased scrutiny of strategic investments.
Speaking outside the Prime Minister’s Office, protesters said they would continue demonstrating until their demands are addressed.
One participant warned that the movement could escalate in September, including through road blockades.
“In September, it will be difficult for him. He will see who the real people are. We will block all the roads. There will be an escalation,” the protester said, according to ATSH.
The 83rd protest underscores the growing persistence of the movement, which has evolved from a dispute over a specific tourism project into a wider expression of dissatisfaction with government policies and institutional performance.
